MARGAO
Citizens travelling towards the Salcete coastal belt via Khareband may have noticed unusual activity along the River Sal near the Khareband bridge. While the bridge itself has received a fresh coat of whitewash, the river stretch below has undergone a visible transformation.
The area, once choked with water hyacinth, has been cleared of the invasive weed. In its place, a 60“100 metre stretch of the river now hosts clusters of plants that appear to have been planted on floating platforms. Additionally, railings have been installed along the riverbank on the Margao side, and workers are currently engaged in fitting illumination lamps as part of an ongoing beautification drive.
Inquiries by The Goan have revealed that the project is not being executed by the Water Resources Department (WRD), but by the Public Works Department (PWD), reportedly at the instance of PWD Minister and Margao MLA Digambar Kamat. The stated objective is to arrest further degradation of the river stretch and provide a facelift to the area.
However, several critical questions remain unanswered. While the beautification effort may enhance the visual appeal of the riverfront, concerns persist over the absence of a comprehensive plan to restore the River Sal’s ecological health. In particular, there is no clarity on when the Goa government or the WRD will implement the recommendations of central expert RK Pandey, who was deputed by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to prepare a detailed drainage and rejuvenation plan for the river.
Adding to the concern is the continued discharge of raw sewage into the River Sal from the commercial capital. Despite the completion of work on the North Main Trunk Line project, authorities have yet to fully plug sewage inflows into the river, raising doubts about the effectiveness of piecemeal beautification in the absence of systemic solutions.
The ongoing beautification drive has come under close scrutiny from social and environmental activists. Environmental activist Abhijit Prabhudesai called for a serious and sustainable approach to restoring the River Sal. “Just look at the plight of the river. Even the colour of the water reveals that all is not well. The government should prepare a comprehensive plan for river restoration, not resort to piecemeal initiatives,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Benaulim-based activist Santan Pereira cautioned against cosmetic interventions. “Cosmetic changes will not restore the river. The government must face the hard reality and take appropriate decisions. A long-term rejuvenation plan for the River Sal is the need of the hour,” he said.
