Lobo moots kayaking in Parra’s rivulets

Calangute: Calangute MLA Michael Lobo has proposed that kayaking activities could be started in the rivulets and nullahs in Parra and Nagoa.
Speaking to reporters while recently launching desilting work of a nullah at Parra, Lobo said that the youth in the village will be able to start kayaking facilities if the rivulets are desilted and cleaned.
The work of the desilting of the rivulet is being undertaken on a small stretch from Lingabhat, Parra, alongside the Calangute-Mapusa road. The rivulet connects to the Arpora-Baga river.
“The entire rivulet is blocked due to the accumulation of silt from the nearby fields which has affected the smooth flow of water. As the river is also a breeding ground for fresh water fish and crabs, a need was felt to desilt the river and rejuvenate it. The local youth could also start kayaking and boating business once the river is rejuvenated,” he said.
“The Arpora-Nagoa panchayat sarpanch has already helped some youth in setting up kayaking activities at Baga-Arpora, and similarly we can start it in Nagoa-Parra as well,” he said.
“Once this rivulet is clean and the silt is removed, our local youth will be able to start kayaking business and get self-employed,” Lobo said, adding, “This could also be an attractive place for tourism activities as there is a ‘bundh’ on both sides of the rivulet, and there are plans to beautify the bundh,” he added.
“The government can provide the youth with loans to start such businesses that cater to tourists,” Lobo said.
Parra sarpanch Chandanand Harmalkar said they are initially desilting a short stretch as a trial to prevent flooding in the area, and further desilting will be undertaken after the monsoon.