Desilting of River Sal is being carried out from Assolna to Banda

Margao: Velim MLA Cruz Silva on Wednesday again raised concern over dumping of silt along the River Sal banks, removed through dredging, and asked the Captain of Ports officials to ensure that the dumped silt was cleared before the monsoon.

Speaking to reporters after an inspection with officials from the Captain of Ports and forest department, he said that “we have asked the officials to immediately clear the silt dumped along the river banks and in the mangroves before the onset of monsoon as it could get washed back into the river.”

Silva also informed that the forest department has been asked to rehabilitate the mangroves spreading in the middle of the river.

He said the mangroves have grown out of control and are creating hardships to the traditional fishermen, adding that, pruning or rehabilitation of the same has been suggested.

The Captain of Ports officials informed the MLA that it is up to the forest department to find a solution to the problem of mangrove overgrowth.

Forest officials assured that the department will quickly move a file to the government on the concerns raised by the MLA and the traditional fishermen and that the mangroves could be trimmed or even rehabilitated if they are found blocking the navigation channel.

Silva, however, expressed dissatisfaction over the ongoing desilting work. Under phase III of the work, desilting is being carried out from Assolna bridge to Banda and at Durga. He said at Durga, large quantities of silt have been removed and dumped along the side of the river which has further reduced the navigation channel.

He said this will reduce the flow of water during the monsoon. “We have only one demand with the Captain of Ports to remove the dumped silt before the monsoon,” he reiterated.

He said he will also be following up with the forest department on the rehabilitation of the mangroves from the river at the earliest.