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Sir, The issues of Springs in Goa was highlighted on 22.12.2002 the website. The Goans worldwide have found the report appealing. Now comes a request from one of the netizens that something be done to a spring named "ARCAR" in CURCA (Tiswadi Taluka)in survey No:40 admeasuring about 400m2 (adjoining the property of landowner P Dhakankar resident at Ponda).The same is accessible from Panaji via Merces Santana Batim to Curca old Bridge. or from Cortalim via Pilar or Goa Velha. There are regular buses available. There is a Hotel near the spring for food. Refreshments and snacks are available at the foot. . We believe that there is no policy or funds earmarked for the SPRINGS in Goa as of now. The introduction of piped water has also led to the deterioration of all water bodies and given the uncertainity of the monsoons it is necessary the Government rejuvenates the Springs in Goa. We visited on 29.3.2003 the spring at 9.30 a.m and inspected the site. There are twelve households the families are rustic but appear friendly and hospitable. The site of the spring is an old house which has now partly collapsed. The work is splendid. There is no water in the tank structure, but at a lower level there is a continuous flow. According to the member Mr Subhash Dias of the Office of the Village Panchayat Curca Bambolim & Talaulim Tiswadi, Tel No: 2218565 he states that numerous politicians visited the spring inspected it but not much had been done. In 1995 work was executed pipes were laid but they were stolen. He himself humbly and meekly confessed that he was implicated for corruption but he feigned innocence because the then Secretary had passed the bills and he feels that for technical reasons only there may be an element of irregularity. He squarely alleges the interference of the then MLA Dr Carmo Pegado who wanted him to step down in favour of another though he conceded to rotation of Sarpanches. Politics apart he is convinced that the spring needs repairs. His wife Bhagirathi Dias is the present Sarpanch she admitted that she runs the show by proxy as she was near a public tap which provides water from one of the seven tubewells used to wash clothes and utensils only but not for drinking. For this they use two common wells fro domestic consumption. The Dy Sarpanch Vivekanada S Volvoikar Tel No:2219126 (R)also agreed that the spring needs repairs, and showed us a letter No:VP/CBT/2000-01/663 dated 18.01.2001 wherein vide resolution No:5(5) dated 15.01.2001 the members decided to request the Department of Tourism to develop the same as a tourist spot. The Nagrik Kriti Samiti Convenor Agnelo Cardozo and the Garbage Committee of which the Dy Sarpanch is a member also believes that we need to develop the spring. Sir in our opinion what needs to be done a) engage four villagers to clear the weeds around the cost is @Rs 150 per day for two days. This will cost Rs.600/- b) there is a need to cement the stone built structure and this needs to be assessed the work estimates in our assessment with cement 20 bags @ Rs. per bag will cost Rs. and workmenship engaging local mason will be @ Rs. per day for about 6 days. (The Panchayat estimate for the works is Rs 15,000 may be because he is quoting government rates for such works) . c) we have proposed to the member and Deputy Sarpanch that the work executed should not be taken as a business venture but as a part of community activity to safe guard their village natural asset. d) we proposed that one individual from the surrounding the spring houses should be engaged to look after the spring. They expect an amount of Rs. 1000 per month e) There is a need for two electric poles and a sodium vapour lamps at the site. f) There is a need for a bio-degradable and non biodegradable dust bin at the site. The other major problem is that the Military personnel from the Signal Training Centre come to this place they create a nuisance. There was no visible sign of this nuisance, but they have an access. The women folk also complain that women feel insecure with the intrusion of these men in the vicinity. It is therefore necessary to have an interaction with the Commanding Officer 3 TTR or 5 TTR Bambolim to ascertain the factual position and request them to restrain from any untoward activity There are instance when some picnic parties also indulge in liquor parties and create nuisance. There is therefore a need that the Police party at Agacaim check post should rush to site to protect the threatened villagers. Once the fear sets in the visitors will be more cautious. The villagers prefer that the springs are maintained as community assets to be enjoyed by locals and not for commercial interests. Sir, there is merit in the need to preserve this spring and it would be appreciated that since you have privately visited the spring and ascertained the ground reality as informed to us by the villagers. Due assitance be provided. This will enable the summer crowd to enjoy the spring waters. We remain confident that due justice will be done. The Panchayat is a II class category and is also believed to be a scheduled caste panchayat getting special grants. Sir we also feel that if funds are not readily available with the Government Goans worldwide could also be asked to send in some funds to undertake the spring work in their own villages. The funds received should be given directly to the workers engaged in that construction activity and maintainence of the spring by opening an NRE account in the local bank. This is necessary so that NGOs are not tempted to use part of the money for their individual requirements. As we strongly believe that funds should go for the cause directly. We would appreciate if a policy statement is made on springs and funds allocated for the purpose. GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES Borda Margao 403 601 GOA [EMAIL PROTECTED] ________________________________________________________________________ Missed your favourite TV serial last night? Try the new, Yahoo! TV. visit http://in.tv.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ Goanet mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.goanet.org/mailman/listinfo/goanet