MARGAO
Beware! The river Sal is not just polluted by around half-a-dozen raw sewage points in the commercial capital. A young environmental engineer has claimed based on his case study that as many as 35 discharge points of raw sewage has been recorded that has led to massive pollution of the river, Salcete’s lifeline.
In fact, friends of environmental and social activist, late Sidharth Karapurkar has cautioned the government on World Environment Day that the River Sal now figures in the list of dying rivers.
A key note address by Samuel Afonso, a young environmental engineer on a case study titled ‘Sócio economic impact due to pollution of River Sal’ threw startling facts. He said that around 35 discharge points of raw sewage had been recorded that led to massive pollution which was neglected for long.
Samuel further said the trawler industry should be assisted to ensure zero discharge of sewage and engine oil in the waters.
Remedious Crasto, a native traditional fisherman who had assisted Samuel in navigating the entire river length from the mouth at Bétul up to Kharebandh said that while ‘Marpol convention’ was strictly followed by merchant ships, there should be some minimum guidelines to the trawler industry on those lines.
Friends of Sidharth Karapurkar (FOSK) pointed out that while on one hand Goans are fighting to save Mhadei, deteriorating health of river Sal has become a major concern that has remained unaddressed.
The FOSK had gathered on the banks of the river Sal at Varca on the occasion of World Environment Day. The late environmental activist was honoured posthumously by planting trees at the hands of his mother Suganda Karapurkar and daughter Dhwani on the banks of the river.
Speaker’s paid rich tributes to Sidharth and resolved to keep his legacy alive by pursuing all the issues he stood for including to place a demand to adopt Afonso’s case study and take assistance of locals instead of engaging consultants from outside the State.
In his address, bureaucrat-turned-politician Elvis Gomes said the river Sal should be given top priority for its rejuvenation.
