NT Reporter
Calangute
The Rs 46 crore waterway improvement works along the Tar-Moira river is likely to be completed by November, said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday. Sawant directed officials to expedite desilting work and remove bottlenecks, particularly under culverts at the highway bridge and Tar bridge, to ensure smooth water flow and mitigate flooding risks.
“The initiative aims to rejuvenate the river, strengthen flood control measures, improve irrigation for agriculture and enhance water availability in the region,” said Sawant after inspecting the works.
The project is underway along the Tar-Moira river stretch from Guirim to the National Highway bridge.
Sawant said that the river had become barely visible during both monsoon and non-monsoon periods due to heavy siltation. “This project focuses on rejuvenation and beautification of the river, covering a 4.5-kilometre stretch with a width of six metres and a depth of two metres. It includes complete desilting and reconstruction of retaining walls,” he said.
He also directed officials to implement temporary protective measures to stabilise embankments where permanent work is pending.
Meanwhile, WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar said that nearly 1,000 ha of land surrounding the river could generate up to Rs 20 crore annually if brought under cultivation. He urged farmers and others to take steps to make the land cultivable.
Also present were Saligao MLA Kedar Naik and officials of the Water Resources Department.
