SALIGAO-SALMONA SPRING TO BE RENOVATED SOON

MAPUSA: Springs and water bodies have always been known to be a source of attraction as it believed that water of such springs has medicinal properties and a soothing effect, which ensures that people flock to them, especially during the summer months.

Many of the springs in the villages of Bardez taluka have been lying in a state of neglect for many years. Saligao is one such village that has two springs, one belonging to the Remedios family at Tabrawaddo and the other the Salmona spring. Both these springs though once quite famous have seen ruin and neglect over the years.

It is almost a year that Saligao MLA, Mr Dilip Parulekar, along with Environment Minister, Mr Aleixo Sequeira, visited the Salmona spring in the backdrop of complains that this spring was polluted. Mr Parulekar pointed that open defecation in the surroundings and dumping of garbage by the Calangute panchayat on the Saligao plateau had contaminated the spring. Officials of the Goa State Pollution Control Board, who were also present, had taken samples of the water which was later found to have a large amount of poisonous toxins.

Mr Sequeira had suggested that steps should be taken to maintain and preserve the spring. He had also said that the dumping of garbage should be stopped at the site and the site itself should be shifted elsewhere.

Mr Parulekar on his part said, “I have been raising the issue in every Assembly session, stating that our ancient and much talked about Salmona spring should be preserved and maintained. My endeavour is to see the spring in its former glory.”

A few years back, people stopped visiting the spring and the area wore a deserted look. However, it has been observed that after some repairs were initiated at the spring, the people began visiting and a recent visit showed that people are now flocking to the site to bathe there and spend a day picnicking.

Mr Parulekar said that there was no proposal to develop or maintain the spring through funds from the tourism department, however, he said that after following and much persuasion, the Water Resources Department has taken an initiative to renovate and repair the spring and develop the surrounding area.  Mr Parulekar informed that a team of water resources officials have visited the spring thrice recently and the work on the spring would begin shortly.

He said, “ As per the information I have received, an amount of ` 8.5 lakh has been earmarked by the Water Resources Department for the renovation of the spring. I have also been informed that the work would be completed before the onset of monsoons.”  He said that the Salmona spring was a source of attraction among tourists in the years gone by and he hopes that the spring will be restored to its former glory.(NT)