MARGAO
Mangroves encroaching in the river Sal along the Assolna-Ambelim stretch and non-lifting of the silt stacked on the river banks came back to haunt the authorities again.
An inspection of the river Sal stretch along the two riverine villages showed how mangroves have encroached right into the navigation channel of the river. Besides, the silt stacked on the river banks by the contractor during the river rejuvenation project executed prior to the onset of monsoons is still lying on the river banks.
Velim MLA Cruz Silva along with officials of the Captain of Ports and Forest department carried out an inspection of the river to assess the gravity of encroachment of mangroves into the river Sal and blocking the navigation channel of the local fishermen.
During the inspection, the MLA pointed out to the Forest official the need to trim the branches of the mangroves and replant the trees at some other location without causing destruction.
He later told the media that the forest officials saw for themselves the situation along the river banks, how the mangroves have encroached into the navigation channel of the local fishermen. “We are not insisting to cut down the mangroves. What we have been pleading with the authorities is to trim the mangroves trees and free the navigation channel for the local fishermen”, he said.
He further pointed out that the forest department can replant the mangroves at some other place where the trees are required.
As far as the removal of silt is concerned, the Velim MLA recalled that he had raised the issue in the Goa Legislative Assembly, demanding that the contractor should not be paid the contract amount unless the silt stacked along the river banks is lifted away. “During inspection of the river on Wednesday with an official of Captain of Ports, we have seen that work on lifting the silt from the river banks have started. We only hope the work is expedited so that the silt is disposed off at the earliest”, Cruz said, adding that the purpose of desilting of the river would be defeated if the silt is not removed from the banks.
A Captain of Ports official told the media after the inspection that the department is closely monitoring the work being executed by the contractor in lifting the silt. “The silt was stacked on the river banks by the contractor so that it is finally lifted away. There was no intention to leave the silt behind. The process of lifting away the silt has now begun”, the official added.
