Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: World Environment Day was observed across the Mormugao taluka on Thursday with political leaders, panchayat bodies and social organisations undertaking plantation drives, environmental awareness campaigns and infrastructure initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and improving local living conditions.
At Bogmalo, Cabinet Minister Mauvin Godinho inaugurated a newly constructed sluice gate at Bhimut and flagged off the desilting of major nullahs in the village. The works are expected to improve drainage, prevent waterlogging during the monsoon and enhance environmental management in the coastal village. Addressing residents, Godinho said the projects formed part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and quality of life in Bogmalo, which he described as one of Goa’s most picturesque villages.
He also complimented Sarpanch Sankalp Mahale, panchayat members and local stakeholders for their contribution towards the development of the village. Godinho stated that several more development projects were in the pipeline and assured that efforts would continue to further strengthen civic infrastructure in the area.
Meanwhile, Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar, along with the Mormugao BJP Mandal, organised a large-scale tree plantation drive across various parts of the constituency under the nationwide “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign. Participants planted saplings at different locations with the objective of increasing green cover and encouraging environmental responsibility among citizens.
Speaking on the occasion, Amonkar said that every tree planted today was an investment in the future and a meaningful tribute to Mother Earth. He stressed the importance of community participation in environmental conservation and called upon residents to actively contribute towards creating a greener and healthier environment for future generations.
In Vasco city, the Vasco Congress Block led by Nandadeep Raut marked the day by distributing recyclable bags to vendors and customers at the Vasco fish market. The initiative sought to encourage the use of eco-friendly alternatives and reduce dependence on single-use plastic.
Raut said environmental conservation required more than symbolic celebrations and called upon authorities to take concrete measures to restore ecological balance. He expressed concern over large-scale land conversions and increasing construction activities, stating that environmental protection must remain a priority in future development planning. Congress workers also raised concerns regarding garbage management and the handling of industrial cargoes in the port town, urging authorities to address environmental issues affecting local residents.
Elsewhere, Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar and the Vasco BJP Mandal organised a plantation drive at the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) Ground. Schoolchildren, party workers and local residents participated in the programme by planting saplings and pledging to nurture them.
Salkar emphasised that planting a tree was only the first step and that citizens had a responsibility to ensure the survival and growth of every sapling. He said that despite multiple development projects being undertaken in Vasco, efforts would continue to protect existing trees wherever possible. He also announced that plans were being prepared for what could become the largest walking track in Vasco at the SAG Ground, combining recreational infrastructure with environmental preservation.
The various programmes held across Mormugao highlighted a common message of environmental protection, sustainable development and greater public participation in preserving Goa’s natural resources.
