Race against rains as Sal clean-up starts

De-weeding work in progress as the WRD begins clearing the weed-infested stretch ahead of the rainy season.

MARGAO
With the monsoon approaching, the long-awaited de-weeding of the River Sal near the Khareband bridge finally commenced on Friday, with the Water Resources Department (WRD) launching operations to clear the choking spread of water hyacinth ahead of the rainy season.
The clean-up drive, undertaken after weeks of delay and mounting public concern, has now triggered fresh questions over whether the contractor will be able to complete the massive exercise before the onset of the monsoon rains.
According to WRD officials, the contractor has been assigned the task of removing water hyacinth along the river stretch from Comba to Mercado Mall within a 30-day timeframe. However, with the southwest monsoon expected to arrive shortly — and with dark rain-bearing clouds already hovering over the State — doubts persist over the feasibility of completing the work on schedule.
The concern is particularly significant given the last year’s experience, when large quantities of water hyacinth were washed downstream following heavy rains. The floating weed eventually accumulated along the Cavelossim-Mobor beach belt, creating an environmental nuisance and affecting the scenic coastline. Locals and environmental observers fear a repeat of the same situation if the de-weeding operation is interrupted midway by early monsoon showers.
A senior WRD official said the department has begun closely monitoring the ongoing work to ensure that the operation progresses without delay. “The contractor has deployed machinery in the river, and around 100 square metres of the weed-infested stretch was cleared on the very first day,” the official said.
The River Sal has witnessed an alarming spread of invasive water hyacinth over the past several months, with thick mats of weed obstructing water flow, affecting navigation, and posing a threat to the river’s ecosystem.
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Venzy sharpens attack on rivals over environmental damage 
MARGAO
Launching a sharp attack on his political opponents while inaugurating the de-weeding drive along the banks of the River Sal on Friday, Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas threw an open challenge to aspirants eyeing the 2027 Assembly elections to join him in a public debate on environmental issues.
Stating that environmental protection should become a key electoral issue, Viegas said those planning to contest the next Assembly polls should first come clean on their own record. 
“Those who have the guts should openly state that they have not filled paddy fields, have not tampered with sand dunes, and have no cases against them for destruction of the environment,” he said.
Recalling a similar challenge issued ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections, the MLA said the then sitting legislator had failed to respond. “Before the 2022 election, I had challenged the MLA for a debate, but there was no response. Now, I challenge those planning to contest the 2027 election to join me for a debate on the environment,” he asserted.
Viegas maintained that since getting elected in 2022, he has consistently pursued initiatives aimed at restoring the River Sal to its pristine condition. He pointed out that his team had proposed the use of geo-bag technology to curb the flow of sewage into the river, but claimed that the government had shown little interest in implementing the proposal.
“The unchecked sewage discharge into the River Sal is the main reason behind the rapid growth of water hyacinth in the river,” he said.
Describing the ongoing de-weeding exercise as only a temporary solution, the MLA said the root cause of pollution needed urgent attention. Referring to allegations of corruption levelled during last year’s de-weeding operations, Viegas said no case had been registered against him despite the accusations.
Reiterating his commitment to restoring the River Sal to its former glory, Viegas said, “Despite being in the opposition, I have taken several initiatives to address issues concerning the River Sal. When we form the government, my priority will be to restore the river to its original state,” he added.