MARGAO
With Goa recording deficient rainfall during the current monsoon, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has decided to close all bandharas before September 30 as part of its water conservation measures.
WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar said instructions would be issued to department officials on September 22 to ensure that all 400-500 bandharas across the State are closed to conserve and store water.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a programme held to inaugurate a water body in Fatorda beautified by the WRD, Shirodkar said the department had taken cognisance of the deficient rainfall this season.
“After Ganesh Chaturthi, the WRD will ensure that all bandharas are closed as part of the water conservation measures. Instructions will be issued to WRD officials on September 22 so that the work is completed before September 30,” he said.
The WRD Minister also sent a clear message to the people of Goa to conserve water and use it judiciously, irrespective of whether the State experiences a good or poor monsoon.
Earlier, addressing the function, Shirodkar said there would be no compromise on the ‘Save Water’ campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The BJP government at the Centre and in Goa is giving utmost importance and value to water conservation,” he said.
The Minister complimented BJP State president Damu Naik for not only submitting the proposal for the restoration and beautification of the water body but also ensuring timely follow-up with the department.
“Today, the water body looks beautiful after its restoration. I am told that around 300 idols of Lord Ganesh will be brought here for immersion,” he said.
In his address, Damu Naik said he had taken the initiative to restore and beautify the age-old water body not only for the immersion of Lord Ganesh idols but also to provide a recreational facility for residents of the area.
“Fatorda has witnessed a surge in high-rise buildings in recent years. When people come to stay in these buildings, they need facilities, including a facility for the immersion of Ganesh idols and recreation. I am happy that the work taken up last year is being inaugurated today,”
he said.
