Environmental activist Miguel Fernandes, who had recently lodged a complaint with the concerned authorities over the alarming accumulation of waste in the nullah, acknowledged that action has finally been initiated. Following his complaint, the authorities deployed heavy machinery, including a JCB excavator, to remove the waste and the invasive aquatic weed, water hyacinth, from the storm water channel.
Fernandes, however, said the clean-up operation remains incomplete as a considerable quantity of waste continues to lie trapped in the nullah. According to him, the bucket of the JCB machine has been unable to effectively scoop out all the garbage, particularly plastic waste and smaller debris lodged in the channel.
"The machine has succeeded in removing large quantities of water hyacinth from the nullah, and the weed has been transported away by a Margao Municipal Council truck. However, a significant amount of plastic and other solid waste still remains. Unless the remaining waste is removed immediately, it will be washed into the River Sal with the next spell of heavy rains," Fernandes warned.
He pointed out that the River Sal has so far not witnessed heavy flood-like conditions during the current monsoon season. However, with more intense rainfall expected in the coming weeks, local residents fear that the accumulated waste in the storm water nullah could soon be swept into the river, posing a serious threat to the fragile aquatic ecosystem.
"The waste will not only pollute the River Sal but will eventually make its way into the Arabian Sea at Betul, contributing to marine pollution," Fernandes said, urging the authorities to complete the clean-up operation without delay.
Residents of the area have also expressed concern over the recurring problem of waste clogging storm water drains and nullahs, saying it not only pollutes water bodies but also increases the risk of flooding during heavy rains.
Environmentalists have stressed that the ongoing clean-up should be followed by sustained monitoring and preventive measures to ensure that plastic waste and other debris do not continue to find their way into the district's drainage network and ecologically sensitive waterways.
