Large part of Tar river embankment cleared

PANAJI: Following directives to the water resources department (WRD) over the desilting of the Tar river in Mapusa, a large portion of the channel has been cleared of the mud embankment.

Citizens, however, want a more scientifically conducted rejuvenation of the river’s other choked and polluted stretches.


The laying of a mud road for the 440-metre desilting project, east of the Bastora-Mapusa bridge, had sparked off controversy over the crude engineering methodology and adverse impact on ecology. After the National Green Tribunal’s order to the WRD on the basis of a TOI report, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) directed the department to remove the mud within 15 days.

Citizens and activists have demanded a better desilting process, by way of a study-oriented approach, to assess the flow dynamics of Mapusa river — also called Tar river in the mid-stretch.

“A proper study is inevitable to find out why the river is choked. The whole stretch from Guirim to Bastora and onward has to be desilted,” Andrew D’Souza, a member of Bastora village development committee (VDC), said.

The desilting project, pursued by Aldona MLA Glenn Ticlo, arose due to the critical condition of the Tar stretch during idol immersion at Ganesh Chaturthi. The idols were often exposed at low tide.

“This piecemeal desilting exercise may be a waste of public funds as the silt from other clogged areas will flow into this stretch,” Guirim comunidade president Tulio de Souza, said.

Elaborating about the nature of the blockage, former panch John Agnel Fernandes said clearing two critical areas was necessary. “If the blockage near the Guirim end and the pipes near the Tar are done away with, tidal flow will be restored,” he said.

Over the years, upstream stretches of the Mapusa river have been facing an assault of pipe-laying and road-widening projects. Hector Fernandes, a geologist, said, “The process of siltation is accelerated in river stretches where there is no navigation.”

Ticlo said a proposal to remove the obstructing pipes was on the cards.

Citizens also suggested that the authorities curb the dumping of garbage and debris into the river. “Trash, trees and mud dumped in river only adds to its woes,” a VDC member said.