Residents of Arpora-Baga and nearby villages are calling for the construction of a defence wall along the banks of the Baga River, which has affected many surrounding areas. They also emphasise the need for desilting the river. The land along the river is part of the Arpora-Nagoa and Calangute village panchayats, extending into villages such as Parra, Saligao, Guirim, Sangolda, Verla-Canca, and Anjuna. The northern bank falls under the Arpora-Nagoa jurisdiction, while the southern bank is part of the Calangute revenue village, all within the Calangute constituency. This project would involve joint development across these villages.
Near Baga Creek, covering nearly 700,000 sq m, is a beautiful mountainous area with some settlements, but it falls under the Arpora-Nagoa panchayat. Residents are urging for a defence wall along both banks of the river while restoring CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) rules for the natural Baga River. It’s important to note that the Baga River is not a creek; as it flows east, its width narrows into smaller creeks and rivulets, with some nulhas joining to carry rainwater.
Constructing a defence wall will protect the area’s natural beauty while adhering to CRZ norms. An eco-friendly walkway could also be built for beautification where possible. The Baga River acts as a “flood controller” for many villages, so desilting is urgent. However, the first step is to build protective walls along the banks. The Water Resources Department should take this seriously and act promptly. With proactive MLAs in Calangute and Siolim, development is achievable. Given his coastal background, the government should assign Michael Lobo to the Tourism portfolio to drive positive change.
