MAPUSA
Construction of the concrete embankment along the rivulet in Siolim-Marna has been taking place in complete disregard to a circular issued by the chief engineer of Water Resources Department (WRD).
A section of WRD officials appear to have ignored a department circular issued in 2012 that urges engineers to use natural materials, while improving or restoring water bodies.
The Goan has stumbled upon a circular issued by the WRD Chief Engineer S T Nadkarni, which directs department officials to use earth, laterite stones or rubble while undertaking jobs to improve nullahs and tanks, ponds and any other water bodies.
"Natural material should be used while improving nullahs and tanks, ponds or lakes wherever possible. Use of earth, laterite stones, rubble et al should be used more often," Nadkarni had said in the circular.
Further, the chief engineer has discouraged use of concrete while undertaking jobs in the water bodies.
"Use of concrete should be made sparingly, wherever necessary. The site engineers concerned should visit the site and make proper provision for springs, percolation, weep holes, etc," the chief engineer said.
Surprisingly, WRD engineers have ignored the circular and went ahead building concrete embankment along the rivulet in Siolim-Marna.
The concrete embankment of at least 2 metres in height and 0.5 metre breadth has been erected on one side of the rivulet, which is a tributary of River Chapora, even as work is going on at a hectic pace to cover the other side with concrete.
WRD Assistant Engineer Ganpat Raikar acknowledged the existence of the circular, but said the circular's intent was more to control cost. Defending the WRD work on the construction of the concrete embankment along the rivulet, he said that it was a small job and the department had taken all precautions while undertaking it.
"We have kept weep holes, so that there is adequate drainage of water and several other required steps," Raikar said.
By erecting thick concrete walls, WRD appears to have ignored to ensure adequate safeguards to rejuvenate marine life in the rivulet.
It may be recalled The Goan on Thursday was first to report how WRD was constructing a concrete embankment along a rivulet in front of the church in Siolim-Marna.
The local panchayat tried to feign ignorance about the WRD work and even kept local residents in the dark about the issue.
Later, it came to light that the panchayat had passed a resolution to beautify the area through WRD funds and based on the resolution the department had started the work.
