the goan I network
VALPOI
Taking serious note of growing complains regarding pollution in a Valvanti river, Water Resources Minister Vinoda Paliencar has directed his officials to inspect the river and to submit a report within 10 days.
Paliencar decided to take action following widespread complains that the Valvanti river, which flows from Keri-Sattari to Sakhali, has been badly polluted due to several reasons.
Locals said the river flows near the Goa-Belgaum highway and waste is often thrown into the river. Some complained that vehicles are often taken to the river to be washed.
The Central Pollution Control Board had identified pollution in the Valvanti river and had directed the Goa State Pollution Control Board to undertake measures to tackle pollution in the river, after raising concern that water form the river would be dangerous for bathing and drinking purposes.
Incidentally, raw water from the Valvanti river is sent to the Padoshe-Sakhali plant, which supplies treated water to many parts of North Goa.
While directing his officials to inspect the river and submit a report within 10 days, Paliencar has issued instructions that anyone found polluting the river water may be booked under the pollution act and action be taken without any pressure.
Welcoming the directives of the minister to safeguard the Valvanti river, social activist Dasharath Morajkar said the Valvanti river is the lifeline of people from North Goa. “It is the duty of all people to safeguard this vital river,” said Morajkar.
Meanwhile, Speaker and Sakhali MLA Dr Pramod Sawant has also appreciated Paliencar’s instructions to WRD officials, stating that the initiatives would help tackle pollution in the Valvanti river.
