SPRINGS IN GOA in need of protection

Godfrey Gonsalves

One of natures bounty to mankind is the perennial springs.  In Goa these abound and man has since time immemorial been attracted to them. Use of spring waters for medicinal purposes, like curing of vision skin diseases or ailments that other fields of science has failed to cure, or  drinking, bathing, cooking, washing, water for cattle and irrigation of kharif and rabbi crops and other food grains

Indeed they have proved to be the lifeline and also have strong religious links.

Most of the names of the springs describe their sizes, viz; in Konkani -  vodlem (big),  dactem (small),  modlem (middle), or  names of animals or plants.

What are springs -- they are seepages or strong gushes of water emanating from ground surfaces or water bearing rocks from the hills.  They occur where the water table and the ground level is on par. The rainwater seep thro the hills and rocks bearing aquifers.  Those that pass through limestone are non potable and those through sandstone are potable.
 
Humanity now believes in making hay while the sun shines, and therefore springs have been either ruined by destroying its source as with mining activities or the rich landed class has diverted the waters to their farm lands resorts hotels etc; depriving the larger village farming community from the water needs.

Says Gulabi Govekar about a spring now ruined in Lamgao, Bicholim, " the place here where I stand was a spring which formed this whole lake. After the mining activity the aquifers were damaged and the water flowed into a trickle and finally disappeared.  The farming community has been compensated Rs.600/ -per season for the crops, others who were vociferous enough to refuse were side tracked adopting a divide and rule policy by the mine owners"   " The landed gentry actually diverted part of the spring to benefit their betel nut crop and also claim compensation which is then shared by their tenants to silence the revolting few."

According to Rajendra Kerkar, of Keri Sattari, a barefoot nature lover  an environmentalist  and a folklorist to the core "mankind has not shown respect for  nature and we are afraid that if those on the coastal areas do not understand the vagaries of nature we may soon end up drying all our springs"

His environment brigade of youngsters have been doing wonderful job in the preservation of environment. He states comfortably, " some of the springs which are perennial, are out of bounds of the common man;  neither the media nor government pays attention to them"  

The government cannot be entrusted to maintain these spots "  who wants the plastic nuisance to grow around these natural gifts " laments Kerkar.

Yet another nature lover Hemant Parab of Pissurlem was very disillusioned.  " encouragement of government to go in for piped water has led families to rely on easy resources, they are now realising the difference of chlorinated water. Even farm lands are abandoned as the youth find this out of fashion an prefer government jobs or vocations other than farming.  Some of the springs have religious connotations and are therefore revered .  Education has not changed their mindset "

One Prafulla Desai of Pernem was very vehement about the whole affair of maintenance of springs  " for politicians the Rural Development Agency schemes have come handy.  What they have done is got the panchayats to pass resolutions and they build barracks around the springs to segregate washing,  drinking areas. Rest of the money is pocketed.  The villages have lands which are fragmented.  If farm machinery is used agriculture can prosper... these farmers listen to the talks given by officials but once they turn their backs they get to square one" " We are forced to invoke religious beliefs as villagers tend to otherwise dirty the springs she adds with a mischievous grin "  On allegations by villagers that the landed community have grabbed the water resources which in fact are not private properties. 

She admits that some amongst them have done so but " what if the  Gram Sabha decides to entrust them to private hoteliers in the name of tourism and employment, and later declare the area out of bound for villagers.  We do permit them but cleanliness is a must.

This writer on his recent tour to interiors of North and South Goa along with Paul Fernandes has  found that springs are naturally divided for the benefit  of those in North Goa District and South Goa District. It would be difficult for those from one end to move to another  because access is not necessarily by
motorable road, many need to be trekked on steep hills and forest vegetation. It is also not proper to make these commercial tourist spots says Jose Dias of Kesarval he moans the fact that  "the plastic nuisance and broken bottles defecating is a parting gift of the domestic tourists and even sometimes our youth are involved, as seen in this  Quesarval and Verna springs or the Boca de Vaca spring in Tiswadi, and others near the coastal areas and those approved by the Government as tourist destinations - visit http://www.goatourism. com

Hence the best way for the preservation of the springs is by a team of local youth from the village.  The local clubs could constitute a team of four to five youth with some women and men who use the springs to ensure periodical spring  cleaning. The Government should provide funds on  the basis of recommendations made by NGO's who would keep a watch
on them.

But as the figures of springs ruined keep increasing and the uncertainty of monsoons high (Goa receives a rainfall of 81 cms, annually ), let us all save our springs. 

This report filed is based  exclusively on a field study and interaction with the people.

Hence this writer appeals to Goans worldwide, a) spread the message on the need to preserve our springs b) provide us information , if any available and documented on springs c) advise us on how the springs need to be maintained

A compilation will then be made for ready reference thereafter.

The attachments a) showing talukawise springs in existence and b) picture of springs ruined and vibrant herein provide an insight into the ground realities of our springs.

Godfrey J. I. Gonsalves
22 Dec 2002