Floating garden first step to clean Maimollem lake

Vasco: A floating garden with algae-eating plants has been set up on Maimollem lake at Vasco to help clear the water of alleged sewage discharge.
This ‘discharge’ has caused thick growth of water hyacinth and weeds over the paddy fields at Maimollem, which in turn become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
“To reduce the amount of weeds in the lake, a machine has been installed along with a floating garden that contains algae-eating plants,” said Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar.
He added that this is a temporary solution and that he has proposed to install three sewage pumping stations in the lake. “This will move the sewage to higher grounds where it can be treated and disposed of,” he said, adding that in the coming years, the lake will be restored as a tourist spot.
The MLA, however, raised concerns over the filling of sand and mud dumps at the catchment area near the paddy field at Maimollem.
“Since the paddy field has been filled with sand, we have planned to build a sports complex in that area. It will have a futsal court, a badminton court, a volleyball court, cricket pitches, a roundabout walking track, a small amphitheater, and a play area for children,” Salkar said and added that the project is estimated to cost Rs 53 crore and is expected to be complete in two years.