panjim: January 21, 2016 … The Chief Minister Shri Laxmikant Parsekar recently launched the work of desilting and dredging of river Sal at a function orgagnized by Captain of Ports at Siquetim in Salcete taluka. The cost of the work is Rs. 3.76 crores.
The desil;ting and dredging of the river would be done at a stretch of 6 kilometers. The Depth of 2mts and 12 mts. width would be maintained and mangrows which are densely grown up in the river would be trimmed are some of the works will be taken up.
Shri Parsekar speaking on the ocassion said that river Sal is important and life line of south Goa which needs to be cleaned and preserved. Initially the Government has undertaken desilting and cleaning of river Sal for s stretch of 6 kms. while rest of the river would be cleaned very shortly. The Government he said aims to curb the pollution and deterioration of this important water body and will deploy officials of Captain of Ports to keep regular inspection.
Shri Parsekar further said that time has come to save river Sal where in people have to cooperate and respond to the efforts of the Government. He said the Sewerage treatment plant which is about to function in the month of March will help to restrict flow of sewerage in the river..
Minister for Labour and Employment Shri Avertano Furtado in his address said that due to dumping of garbage and releasing of sewerage through pipelines the entire river has polluted and ruined its existence.Therefore he appealed to the people to realize the importance of the river and avoid dumping garbage and releasing sewerage in the river. He also called upon the people to supplort the efforts of the Government to clean the entire river and restore its restine glory.
Shri Caetano Silva MLA Benaulim, Shri Benjamin Silva, MLA Vellim, Shri Peter Coutinho a local resident also spoke on the ocassion.
Shri Frank Fernandes, Sarpanch V.P Siquetim, Shri Tulshidas Desai, Sarpanch, VP Davorlim Salcete, Ward Members of various Village Panchayats in Salcete and the staff of Captain of Ports were those who attended the function.
Shri Ulhas Tuyenkar ZP Member welcomed the guests.Shri James Braganza Captain, Captain of Ports proposed the vote of thanks.