MAPUSA
The Cunchelim spring may get a new lease of life, as the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) has decided to restore the much discredited spring to its former glory.
MMC has planned to bring about total development of the spring and its surrounding area, which entails higher financial implication.
“The spring is in a very bad state. We have decided to carry out de-silting work of the water body around the spring through the Water Resources Department. We also plan to carry out beautification of the area through the tourism department,” MMC Chairperson Sandeep Falari said.
On the request of the local councillor Chandrashekar Benkar, the council has passed a resolution to develop the spring in the recent council meeting, which will now be forwarded to the departments concerned.
“The council has taken a decision. We are not sure when work on the project will start. The departments concerned have to discuss the plan and draw estimates of the project after which the work will be tendered,” a source in the engineering department informed.
Once a popular site in Cunchelim, people used to flock to the spring for a dip, as the waters of the spring was known for its medicinal value.
For almost a decade, the spring was completely neglected and left to rot. The residents leaving around the area, which mostly consists of migrants has been using the water of the spring to wash clothes and their household utensils.
One of the largest scrapyards in Bardez is located near the spring. The residents of the scrapyard, which consists mostly of migrants, allow their sewage discharge directly into the water body polluting the spring.
“Once upon a time the locals from Cunchelim and surrounding villages use to frequent the spring. Local politicians (read councillors) allowed the migrants, who are their vote banks, to make use of the natural water body and thus spoiling the spring,” a local from the area said refusing to come on record.
Residents have now pinned their hopes on the fresh face “ their new councillor “ who they say appears to be dynamic and sincere.
“Our councillor has been making the right moves and appears to have his ear on the ground. He takes pro-people stand. We hope he continues in this way,” another local from the area said.
Recently, the local councillor, Chandrashekar Benkar along with his colleagues “ Anant Mishal and Tushar Tople “ visited the spring and took stock of the situation.
“The spring is in very bad state. We need to work on it and sooner the better,” Tople said.
The council has taken a decision. The chairperson has also given his nod. It remains to be seen how soon the work on the spring takes off or whether it will take years to complete just as was in the case of the fish and vegetable markets in Mapusa.
