the goan I network
OLD GOA
Highlighting the neglect of the once famous Merces spring, NGOs Merces Manch Welfare Association, Goa Helping Hands and Goa Green Brigade undertook a cleanliness drive near the spring and surrounding areas while resolving to restore the spring to its lost glory.
Around 50 volunteers from the three NGOs gathered near the spring on Sunday evening and collected thrash like plastic bottles, beer bottles, tin cans, etc that was lying around the spring and the road leading to the spring.
Speaking to the media, Merces manch president Sudesh Kalangutkar said that there is a need for Merces locals to unite and preserve the God given natural heritage for posterity. Goa Green Brigade’s Avertino Miranda lamented that trees around the spring have been felled and attempts are made to concretize the area through illegal constructions, which would have to be stopped at all cost if the spring has to be restored to its former glory. “We are going to submit memorandum to concerned authorities in the coming days and also seek advice from experts on the best way to restore the spring,” Miranda informed.
Goa Helping Hand’s Rudolf Fernandes said that water is the lifeline of humans and there is a need to preserve such types of springs which are a source of fresh water.
“So now, we have all joined hands together to restore the Merces spring so that the current as well as future generations could enjoy the same,” Fernandes stated while adding that he will always support initiatives to protect such natural heritage in Goa.
Advocate Prashant Vengurlekar said that in the year 1996 when the spring got contaminated due to construction of septic tank nearby, the intervention of MP Shripad Naik was sought and the septic tank was shifted away from the spring. “Now another danger looms as deforestation is underway for a project. So I request all villagers of Merces to join hands and not to allow deforestation of the area,” Vengurlekar informed and demanded that a buffer zone of 2 kms be declared around the spring as no development zone.Artist Shreya Israni who came all the way from Taleigao lauded the collective efforts of the villagers in restoring such natural springs.
“It will inspire other villagers as well,” Israni stated while informing that she will share the initiative undertaken through social media.
“I also want to be part of such cleanliness drive as it is a great workout and it brings about bonding among the participants,” she added.
The villagers also targeted the Merces panchayat authorities for failing to upkeep the surroundings of the spring.
