NERI LAUNCHES REJUVENATION OF RIVER SAL Panaji: May 30, 2021 Minister for Water Resources, Shri Filipe Nery Rodrigues virtually launched the two development projects of the Department of Water Resources - Rejuvenation and desilting River Sal from Fish market Margao to Varca Bridge for a stretch of 8.26 kms, at an estimated cost Rs 16.81 Cr and Development of Colva Creek at Estimated cost of Rs 9.13 Cr. on the occasion of Goa Statehood day today. The function were attended by Leader of Opposition, Shri Digambar Kamat , MLA's Shri Luizinho Faleiro; Shri Vijay Sardesai and Wilfred D’sa. Speaking on the occasion Shri Rodrigues said Sal river was neglected since decades” which has now been categorised by NGT as polluted with constant persuasion. He also thanked the Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant, for sanctioning and providing funds even during the financial stress faced by the Government due to Pandemic. Putting the draft of State Water Policy 2022 to address the water needs of the State, said that the same will be placed before the legislative members for their suggestions before finalising. Shri Rodrigues informed that it is his sincere endeavour and commitment to protect all the rivers and water bodies, keep them as pristine as possible . The Mhadei is very close to the heart of every Goan, and matter is Sub judice, every effort is being taken to protect the interest of the State, he concluded. Speaking on the occasion, the Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat, opined that it was need of the hour said that is an excellent initiative of the Government to take up Desilting of the river Sal and Colva Creek, benefitting the people of Margao and tourism industry at large. Speaking on the occasion MLA Luizinho Faleiro, appreciated the Minister for initiating both the projects and said that it was his dream to get the Sal river cleaned. MLA Vijay Sardesai and Wilfred D’sa also expressed their views on the occasion. Earlier the brief of the projects was presented by the Chief Engineer (WRD), Shri. S. D. Patil Superintending Engineer WRD (Circle I) Shri Pramod Badami compered the function, whereas Chief Engineer Shri S. D. Patil proposed the vote of thanks. -- Issued by Department of Information & Publicity Department of Information & Publicity 3rd Floor, Udyog Bhavan, Near Azad Maidan, Panaji.