Soil erosion, afforestation issues raised
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: Mandrem MLA Laxmikant Parsekar yersterday urged the government to take steps to tackle soil erosion in the coastal areas of his constituency.
Speaking during the discussion on Demands for Grants for water resources, Parsekar revealed that places like Harmal and Morjim were facing soil erosion for two to four years.
Speaking on forest conservation, Parsekar said, there were many species/ reptiles in the forests of Mandrem, which are safeguarded by locals.
The MLA suggested that the government could employ one or two local boys to guard the forests either on contract basis or by paying them incentives.
Similarly, Bicholim MLA Rajesh Patnekar requested the government to set up a ‘special snake zoo’ as it could be a source of revenue.
“There are plenty snake catching teams and individuals.
With this, large numbers of different species of snakes could be stocked.
If they are kept in a ‘snake zoo’, then it can act as a good source of revenue to the state,” Patnekar suggested.
The two suggestions according to respective MLAs would help generate employment for enthusiasts among locals.
Canacona MLA Vijay Pai Khot suggested that the government go in for Mango and Nilgiri plantations. “The government can employ geologists to work on it.
Since we already have cashew plantations, we can also opt for mango plantation and nilgiri plantation. This will encourage employment,” he suggested.
Fatorda MLA Damu Naik alleged that even as PWD had submitted its performance budget, it lacked vision.
He however appreciated that construction of 78.35 kilometres sewerage pipeline was completed in his constituency but at the same time it was not connected to households.
