Authorities race against time to prevent repeat of last year
A green carpet of the water hyacinth weed covers the River Sal.
MARGAO
With dark monsoon clouds gathering over Goa and the southwest monsoon fast approaching, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has finally initiated steps to clear the heavily weed-infested River Sal along a crucial four-kilometre stretch between Comba in Margao and Mercado Mall in Benaulim.
South Goa Additional Collector Srinet Kothwale on Friday confirmed that the WRD has floated a tender for the de-weeding operation at an estimated cost of Rs 15 lakh. According to him, the work will commence immediately after the contractor is awarded the work order.
The long-awaited move may bring in good news to residents of Cavelossim, local fishermen, and tourism stakeholders who have repeatedly raised concerns over the unchecked spread of water hyacinth in the river.
However, with the monsoon expected to arrive shortly, authorities now face the pressing challenge of completing the operation before heavy rains and strong river currents set in.
Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz, who has been actively pursuing the matter with district authorities, said he had twice approached the South Goa Collector seeking urgent intervention to ensure the river is cleared before the onset of rains. “I have been informed by Additional Collector Srinet Kothwale that the WRD will undertake the de-weeding work before the monsoon. I hope the department and the contractor expedite the process and ensure the weed is completely removed from the river course,” Vaz said.
The urgency stems from last year’s experience when massive quantities of water hyacinth were washed downstream from Margao due to strong currents during the monsoon. Large mats of weed eventually accumulated along Mobor beach, creating severe environmental pollution and affecting tourism activities in the area. Local fishermen also complained that the floating vegetation obstructed fishing operations and navigation in the river.
The invasion of the weed had additionally disrupted riverine activity near Betul, where residents reported clogged waterways and deteriorating water conditions.
Sources familiar with the issue said the upcoming de-weeding exercise will require strict monitoring to ensure timely and effective execution.
Citizens and local stakeholders, they said, should remain vigilant so that the contractor adheres to the schedule and the work is carried out thoroughly before the monsoon intensifies.
Environmental observers have repeatedly warned that unchecked growth of water hyacinth not only obstructs water flow but also reduces oxygen levels in the water, threatening aquatic life and aggravating flooding risks during heavy rainfall.
