MARGAO
A storm is brewing along the banks of river Sal in Salcete as the government has proposed to build as many as three additional jetties along the river course.
Referring to the announcement made by the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) outlining several waterway projects in India, including plans for the development of jetties on various rivers in Goa, including river Sal, the Benaulim Congress has expressed the growing concerns of the local communities regarding these developments, particularly those residing in the constituencies of Benaulim, Navelim, and Velim, who rely on River Sal for their livelihoods, primarily through fishing.
Even as a delegation of Benaulim Congress Block Committee led by President Keith Gracias has submitted petition to South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes on the issue, South Goa district Congress president Savio D’Silva has said the Congress will up the ante against the jetty plans by taking the movement at the gram sabha of the panchayat bodies of villages located on the banks of river Sal.
The Benaulim block has pointed out that the local communities are deeply apprehensive about the potential adverse effects that the construction of these jetties, particularly if they are intended for industrial use such as coal transportation, may have on the environment and their way of life.
“River Sal plays a crucial role as a lifeline for traditional fishing communities, with small canoes and larger vessels used for daily fishing activities. Areas like Cutbona and Mobor are key centres for fish unloading. The introduction of industrial activities, especially coal transport, raises significant concerns due to the potential negative impact on the river's fragile ecosystem”, the petition said.
The petition added: “River Sal is already grappling with pollution issues, particularly from sewage discharge from the Sewage Water Treatment Plant (SWTP), and is currently regarded as one of the most polluted rivers in Goa, with the highest levels of E. coli contamination. Any further pollution would have devastating effects on the local fishing industry”.
Given the importance of River Sal in sustaining the livelihoods of these fishing communities, the delegation impressed upon the South Goa MP to provide more detailed information regarding the exact locations of the proposed jetties, their use and ny potential environmental or social impacts.
“The local population is especially concerned these jetties could be used for coal transportation, which could exacerbate the already dire pollution levels in the river and further threaten the fishing industry”, the delegation said, while urging the authorities to carefully consider the potential environmental consequences and the impact on local livelihoods before proceeding with the development of these jetties.
