Margao MLA Digambar Kamat on Thursday has said the SGPDA has not given any approval for the demarcation of plots on the banks of River Sal at Khareband.
MARGAO
The former Chief Minister further said that that thick carpet of weed that has re-surfaced in the river Sal may block the movement of rain water during the monsoon, as he urged the government to take a close look at the situation and initiate appropriate action.
Accompanied by MMC Vice-Chairperson Doris Texeira, Councillor Manoj Masurkar and PWD and
municipal officials, Kamat descended on the banks of River Sal to inspect the area where local residents and activists have accused the authorities for turning a blind eye to the demarcation of plots right on the river bank. “To develop and demarcate plots, one need to take SGPDA approval. This area comes under the jurisdiction of the SGPDA. I do not think the SGPDA has issued any permission to develop plots on the river banks. For, one need to display the PDA permission given to develop the plots at the site,” Kamat said.
Commenting on the return of the weed at the River Sal despite de-silting the river before the last
monsoon, Kamat said the weed has resurfaced because of the conducive conditions prevailing in the
river. “When the water gets mixed with other pollutants, it helps in the growth of weeds,” he said, while asking the authorities to stay alert in the event the weeds block the smooth flow of
monsoon water.
Commenting on the steel bridge, which is still lying at the Khareband bridge despite the commissioning of the new bridge around a decade ago, Kamat said he has taken up the matter with PWD Minister, Sudin Dhavlikar, who has stated that the department has ordered an audit of all bridges in the State post-Sanvordem incident.
The Margao MLA also inspected areas at Pajifond, Pimpalkatta and Khareband and reviewed the
progress of ongoing works. “The MMC will take up work on the Khareband drain immediately. As far as Pajifond is concerned, we are assessing whether work on the drain will be taken up before the monsoon or after,” he said.
Replying to a question, Kamat said that desilting of water nullahs falling in Margao Municipality will commence early next week.
