Locals seek urgent restoration before monsoon
Uguem spring once served as a lifeline for the village community for several generations.
SANGUEM
The Portuguese-era natural spring located at Tarvale in Uguem village is facing rapid deterioration due to years of neglect and lack of maintenance, triggering concern among local residents and panchayat members.
The spring once served as a lifeline for the village community for several generations. In earlier times, the natural water source was extensively used for drinking and other domestic purposes by local residents.
Besides catering to household needs, the spring also played a crucial role in supporting farming and agricultural activities in the area by providing water for irrigation.
However, villagers stated that the once-thriving natural resource, along with several other traditional water bodies in the locality, is slowly disappearing owing to prolonged government inaction and the absence of regular upkeep.
Expressing serious concern over the worsening condition of the spring, local residents led by Anthony Colaco, Philip Furtado and others, along with panchayat member Elvira Fernandes, said the invaluable natural heritage was being ignored despite its historical and environmental significance.
They warned that continued neglect has not only damaged the structure of the spring but has also posed a threat to the surrounding biodiversity and ecosystem.
The villagers have now appealed to the Water Resources Department (WRD) to immediately undertake restoration and repair works at the site.
They stressed that urgent intervention is necessary before the onset of the monsoon season to prevent further damage and preserve the historic spring for future generations.
Residents further requested the authorities to take concrete steps towards reviving and protecting traditional water sources, which once formed an integral part of rural life and sustainable agriculture in the region.
