MARGAO
As many as four lakes in Benaulim constituency, including the biggest lake in Benaulim, Voddlem Tollem and the Campo Tollem at Colva, will be taken up for beautification under the central government’s Mission Amrit Sarovar.
While work on the project at Voddlem Tollem and one at Colva is nearing completion, the local MLA Venzy Viegas has drawn up plans to hoist the National Tricolour at the lake on Independence Day.
That’s not all. The Benaulim MLA has plans to revive the Ganesh immersion at the Benaulim Voddlem Tollem in the ensuing Ganesh festival after plugging the sewage flowing into the water body.
The MLA had an inspection of the Campo Tollem, Colva and the Voddlem Tollem at Benaulim with local farmers and residents. He said the ongoing de-weeding work of the two lakes will be complete before Independence Day, adding that the beautification of the two lakes under the Central government scheme will be executed after inviting suggestions from the local farmers and residents. “We have drawn up plans to beautify the lake so that the local residents getting a walking track, a platform for the migratory birds and an overall clean up including plugging of sewage flowing into the lake,” he said, adding that houses and establishments discharging sewage into the lake will be identified and directed to stop the nuisance.
The MLA further pointed out that he wants to revive the Ganesh immersion programme at the Voddlem Tollem, Benaulim in the ensuing Ganesh Chathurti. “I would call for a meeting with our Hindu brethren to find out whether it would be safe to step into the lake waters for immersion. With the current rains, I am optimistic that the water in the lake will remain clean. Hope that the ground reality will be conducive for Ganesh immersion so that we all celebrate the ensuing festivities in Benaulim in a grand and harmonious manner,” Venzy added.
