Benaulim MLA launches various works for cleaning lakes, ponds
Margao: Several works for cleaning and development of waterbodies and waterways in the constituency of Benaulim is hoping to revive traditional fishing from lakes and ponds, promote agriculture and attract migratory birds. The cleanup of the waterbodies including lakes, ponds and rainwater ways is also aimed at stopping the release of raw sewage.
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas has been launching this week various works for cleaning and development of water bodies in the constituency with an aim of restoring them to their original ways. On Wednesday, the MLA launched several projects involving cleaning and development of water bodies with the water resource department.
While speaking at the works taken up at the Komlatollem in Benaulim which included building of ramps and cleaning of the water body, Viegas said, “No one was cleaning these water bodies for the past many decades. A request for this work was put last year and is being executed now. Our main aim is to revive the lakes by removing all the weeds, cleaning the water so that people can come and do fishing, and to also maybe bring back the migratory birds that used to visit this particular area. The aim is also to have a traditional stormwater management system in place.”
WRD officials speaking at Komlatollem informed of the work including building of a ramp with steps, to clean the tollem from weeds and also to make a downstream canal so that all the farmers can take up agriculture. Residents of the area recalled the tollem from the past when they would swim in it and even fish for freshwater fish. However, with the release of raw sewage from nearby establishments directly into the water has caused the growth of weeds and hyacinth making it impossible for the locals to use.
Speaking about the issue of sewage, the MLA said, “There are many who release sewage into this water body, so once we clean it, anyone releasing sewage will be visible for everyone to see. This then has to be stopped. The message is clear, that we want to clean our lakes and then stop the discharge of sewage.”
Earlier this week, Venzy launched the cleaning and development of Vodlem Tollem at Seraulim, the Zoriwaddo spring in Benaulim and the cleaning and desilting of a nullah near Laxmi temple in Benaulim.