Neglected, many water bodies in Canacona town dying slowly

Canacona: Several water bodies in and around Canacona town area, once considered the lifeline of farmers, are dying a slow death. In the absence of efforts from the water resources department and other government bodies to rejuvenate them, these water bodies have been invaded by vegetation and have turned into breeding grounds for mosquitoes, said locals.

The ponds are situated amidst fields along the stretch from the Konkan Railway station to the municipality building and the KTC bus stand to Pansulem. The prime among them is the one situated near the KTC bus stand, known as ‘vhoddllem tallem’.

“If beautified, this pond has the potential to be promoted as a leisure spot. But first, the NOC is required from its owner,” said Canacona Municipal Council chairperson Ramkant Naikgaunkar.

He said efforts are on in this direction.

Former Canacona municipal council chairperson Rajendra Desai said that some years ago, the fields around many of these ponds, which are now lying fallow, were used to raise paddy crops in the rabi season. “It’s sad that these fields have been left barren and the water bodies are now invaded by creepers and other vegetation,” he said.

“These ponds have water throughout the year and have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes as the water is lying stagnant. Instead of restoring them, the departments seem to be spending money on projects that are not beneficial to all,” said a retired primary school teacher.

While one pond at Nagarcem has been restored by the WRD, locals say that some water bodies have been filled up to make way for constructions. “If the fallow areas are not cleaned or developed, they can further turn into concrete jungles,” said the teacher.

A senior official from the WRD said that the water bodies can be developed if a proposal comes to the department and they are convinced that after the works are carried out, the water will be utilised for some good purpose.