A de-weeding machine at work at the Benaulim water body.
MARGAO
A de-weeding machine deployed at Benaulim to remove the invasive water hyacinth from local water bodies has helped to rid the water body of the fastest-growing weed.
However, while residents have welcomed the initiative, they have urged the government to take more decisive action by addressing the root cause of the problem—untreated sewage flowing from Margao into the River Sal.
Citizens warned that unless sewage discharge into the river is effectively stopped, the rapid regrowth of water hyacinth will continue, rendering periodic de-weeding efforts futile. They stressed that long-term environmental restoration depends on tackling the pollution at its source.
Chairman of the Benaulim Biodiversity Management Committee, Charles D’Silva, appreciated the initiative taken by Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas to clear the Tolleaband water body of the weed.
However, he cautioned that without a concrete plan to curb sewage inflow, the problem will persist.
“It is a good initiative to de-weed the water bodies, but unless the government comes up with a concrete proposal to stop sewage flowing into the River Sal from Margao, all these efforts will go in vain. Very soon, the water hyacinth will resurface,” he said.
Benaulim-based social activist Santan Pereira highlighted the cultural and ecological importance of the Tolleaband water body. “This water body is significant for multiple reasons. It is used by our Hindu community for the immersion of Lord Ganesha idols and has historically supported a rich variety of freshwater fish,” he noted.
However, Pereira lamented the deterioration of the water body due to continuous sewage discharge. “The waters have been severely affected by the inflow of sewage from Margao. We have been demanding a permanent solution to this issue. Unless the sewage discharge is stopped, these cosmetic measures will serve no real purpose,” he added.
Residents reiterated their call for sustainable and long-term solutions, emphasising that cleaning efforts must be complemented by strong measures to prevent pollution of the River Sal.
