The condition of the retaining wall along the river Sal stretch near the Khareband bridge. Captured by : Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
Even as beautification work along River Sal is underway near the Khareband bridge, concerns have been raised over the alarming condition of a retaining wall located close to the bridge, which locals say is tilting and on the verge of collapsing into the river.
Residents allege that the wall has come under severe stress due to construction material being dumped along the riverbank on the Khareband side of the bridge. They fear that the weakened structure could collapse at any moment, posing a threat to the river ecosystem and public safety.
Questions are also being raised as to whether the deteriorating condition of the retaining wall has gone unnoticed by workers engaged in the river beautification project.
“A bare glance at the retaining wall would reveal that it is on the verge of collapsing into the river. We have no idea whether the Water Resources Department has any plan to repair the wall or construct a new one,” remarked a local resident.
Meanwhile, Varca-based social worker Warren Alemao has expressed serious concern over the state of River Sal, calling it the lifeline of Salcete. He pointed out that the river supports agriculture, fishing, groundwater recharge, biodiversity, and the daily lives of thousands of residents.
“Any damage to River Sal is a direct attack on Salcete’s future,” Alemao warned.
He further alleged that an illegal scrapyard operating near Khareband is releasing sewage into the river, openly dumping garbage, destroying mangroves, and polluting the water. “All this is happening under the protection of the political class from Benaulim” he claimed.
Alemao has demanded the immediate closure of the alleged illegal scrapyard and criminal action against polluters as well as those shielding them. He has also called for an immediate cleanup and long-term protection measures for River Sal.
“River Sal gave life to Salcete. Now Salcete must stand up for River Sal,” he said.
