MARGAO
Will the authorities restore the past glory of Benaulim’s Vodlem Tolem, which plays host to migratory birds during this time of part of the year?
The tolem also has religious significance as it is used for immersion of Lord Ganesha idols from Benaulim and neighbouring Margao.
The Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has set in motion the process to develop the Tolleabandh-Khareband stretch of the road, besides other projects in Benaulim constituency at a whopping cost of Rs 24.99 crore. Local Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao laid the foundation stone for the GSIDC works.
A close look at the water body revealed that the tolem is craving for attention. Perhaps for the first time in years, immersion of Lord Ganesha idols could not take place here with the sarvajanik mandals and Margao police preferring to take the idols for immersion at the Dambab talli near the Nehru stadium.
When contacted, Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao said the beautification of the Vodlem Tolem does not figure in the GSIDC works to be executed in the entire constituency. He, however, hastened to add that he would ensure that the at least the portion of the lake used for immersion is developed with steps leading to the water body. “I have assured to develop the part of the water body for immersion. Steps leading to the water body will be built,” Churchill said, adding that the water body will be restored with the help of the Water Resources Department.
Former Sarpanch and member of the Benaulim Village Development Committee, Royla Fernandes, said the VDC has made a provision in the Gram Panchayat Development Plan to take up development of all water
bodies in the village.
“It’s not only Vodlem Tolem, which needs attention, but the other water bodies as well. We intend to bring these water bodies under the agricultural sector so that the traditional irrigation system is restored and the water is used for agriculture,” Royla added.
