Claim dense growth has given rise to bat population, breeding ground for mosquitoes
The overgrown mangrove cover at the River Sal between Assolna and Ambelim.
MARGAO
Overgrown mangroves in River Sal on the stretch between Assolna ferry point and Ambelim have come back to haunt the local fishing community and villagers.
Fishermen have pointed out that the overgrowth of mangroves on the km-long stretch has come in the way of smooth navigation for the local fishing community eking a livelihood on fishing in the river.
That’s not all. The locals claimed that the dense growth of mangrove cover along the stretch from the Assolna-Cavelossim bridge to Soccobandh-Ambelim have given rise to the bat population and has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Incidentally, the local fishing community and locals had raised a similar demand over two years, prompting the Forest Department to undertake an exercise of numbering the mangroves coming in the way of navigation, but in vain.
Taking up cudgels for the local community, Velim MLA Cruz Silva has dashed off a letter to the Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane as well as Environment Minister, Aleixo Sequeira seeking their intervention in giving relief to the beleaguered fishermen and local residents.
Seeking urgent action on the overgrowth of mangroves in River Sal, the Velim MLA drew the attention of the two Ministers to what he termed as the rapid and excessive growth of mangroves along the River Sal, specifically from Colleawaddo (near the Cavelossim - Assolna bridge) to Ambelim Soccobandh. While mangroves play a vital role in the ecosystem, their unchecked expansion has led to significant challenges affecting both the local environment and the livelihoods of traditional fishermen, he said the dense mangrove overgrowth has notably reduced the navigable width of the river, obstructing the free passage of traditional fishing canoes and hampering local fishing activities.
He added: “The thick vegetation has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, posing a serious health hazard to nearby residents. The increasing presence of bats in the area has also adversely affected coconut cultivation, impacting local agrarian livelihoods.”
Cruz further pointed out that the overgrown mangroves have inadvertently turned into a collection site for plastic waste and other pollutants, exacerbating environmental degradation in the region. “Given these pressing concerns, I urge you to conduct an immediate inspection of the affected areas and take necessary measures to control and manage the mangrove growth in a balanced and ecologically responsible manner,” he said, adding that swift action is necessary to safeguard the well-being of local residents, ensure the sustainability of fishing activities, and prevent further pollution of River Sal.
