Operation to restore drainage and ecology
Calangute panchayat begins long-overdue desilting of major nullahs neglected for years in the village.
THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
In a significant step toward improving the village’s drainage infrastructure and protecting its natural ecology, the Calangute Panchayat, in collaboration with the village bio-diversity committee, has initiated a large-scale desilting operation of major nullahs that have remained choked for several years.
Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira said the desilting work was taken up in earnest at the request of the bio-diversity committee, which has been actively working to conserve and protect the village’s environmental heritage.
"These nullahs had not been desilted for many years, leading to water stagnation and pollution. On the request of the bio-diversity committee, the panchayat decided to act. We are committed to restoring proper drainage and water flow," Sequeira said.
He appealed to the public to support the initiative, especially by refraining from discharging sewage and waste into the cleaned nullahs, which are intended to channel rainwater into the Baga River and eventually into the sea.
The project, estimated at Rs 25 lakh, has been tendered and work is currently underway.
Sequeira added that the panchayat will also be approaching the Water Resources Department (WRD) to construct retaining walls on either side of the nullahs to prevent erosion and maintain structural integrity.
The initiative has drawn praise from the Chairman of the Bio-Diversity Committee, Benedict Lobo, who commended the panchayat and its leadership for extending consistent support to the committee’s conservation efforts.
“We’ve had strong backing from the panchayat and the Sarpanch. Together, we are trying to preserve what’s left of Calangute’s natural landscape,” Lobo said.
He also revealed that the committee is working with the panchayat to declare a local spring as a heritage site, underscoring the committee’s commitment to protecting Calangute’s ecological assets.
The Sarpanch encouraged the committee to continue identifying critical environmental concerns.
“If there are other projects or areas that need attention, the committee should bring them to our notice. We will do everything in our capacity to act in the interest of the village,” he said.
The desilting effort is expected to improve water flow during the monsoon season, prevent local flooding and reduce health hazards caused by stagnant water – while also contributing to the broader goal of restoring the village’s ecological balance.
