Vasco’s Maimollem lake to be transformed into tourist attraction

Maimollem lake in Vasco to get a major makeover. The lake will be developed under the Amrit Sarovar scheme of the Government of India. The lake restoration project received administrative approval with Rs 1 crore funds and an NOC from Mormugao Communidade will be obtained, says Vasco MLA.

On Thursday morning, Vasco MLA Krishna Daji Salkar conducted a site inspection of the Maimollem lake. This lake will be restored and beautified soon to make it a tourist attraction in Vasco. 

After inspection, Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar informed reporters that a few years ago the Maimollem lake was very beautiful and it had water lilies, lotuses, etc. But in the last few years the lake has lost its beauty, and there were some unacceptable, unhygienic activities such as the release of raw sewage into the lake’s water, etc.

He further added that due to these unhygienic activities, flies, reptiles and other creatures started frequenting this area. Salkar said that in any village or town, having a water body is important and we need to protect it.

Maimollem has played an important role during the monsoon as it falls under a catchment area, and it has helped in avoiding any waterlogging near Swatantra Path. Therefore, the need to revive and restore the water body was felt.

When asked about the project proposal, Salkar revealed that a few days ago, WRD Minister of Goa had inspected the lake. At that time, the minister assured that the revival work under the Amrit Sarovar scheme would be taken up. “Now we have received an administrative approval of Rs1 crore. We are just waiting for the No Objection Certificate (NOC) of Mormugao Comunidade,” he said.

Later, when questioned whether the 1 crore amount would be enough for this project, Salkar replied that with the given amount the work of revival and excavation will begin. Further along the line, an idea of any more funds required would be estimated. “I feel it will require almost 7 to 8 crore for this project," Salkar said.

Upon asking about how he would sort out the release of sewage and the beautification work of the lake, Salkar replied that he will take an NOC from the sewerage section of the PWD so that the proposed sewage pumping station work is taken up quickly. This will handle the sewage from Mangor, Shantinagar, Maimollem, etc properly, and the lake will remain free from sewage.

He also added that he would take the biodiversity aspect into account while restoring the Maimollem lake so that it becomes a tourist destination.