VALPOI: Massordem village situated in Valpoi is known for its fresh water spring called ‘Maasordem Jhari.’ This spring, situated at a distance of about 1km from Valpoi town near a tributary of Mhadei river, is surrounded by cashew plantation and the path to it is covered by thick mangroves, which makes access to the site difficult. This spring is in need of being upgraded.
The dilapidated condition of the spring is a mute testimony to the poor efforts of the local body to maintain it. The spring with its clear, fresh water was once frequented by locals as well as tourists. Its water is ideal for consumption, especially in the months of summer when the wells run dry.
However, over the years this site has been neglected. No maintenance of any sort was carried out at this site for the last 12 years, resulting in the few locals and tourists abandoning it for sites with better access and facilities. Only a few villagers still make it over the thick vegetation to fetch drinking water and also to do their laundry there. Locals feel that if this spring was done up and promoted, then it would have offered an alternative attraction of hinterland tourism and would have earned some much needed revenue and employment to the village youth, who could set up a few stalls there.
According to one senior citizen from the village, the water from the stream that runs alongside this spring was used for farming during the vaigin season, and also for domestic consumption. However, with modern methods of farming implemented in the agriculture sector, and with water in taps, hardly anyone is interested anymore in the spring. He further said that the spring is inaccessible for nearly eight months of the year due to thick vegetation.
This senior citizen pointed out that the various bhandaras on the River Mhadei has led to the rise in the water level, thus affecting the route of the spring stream. He also informed that the spring was upgraded by the PWD some twelve years back, which had built it with concrete and a couple of pipes, so that the water could be collected easily. He said that the water is pure and has healing qualities as it brushes against various plants on its way to the spring. A youth said that on weekends nowadays, a few people come here for a holiday. He said he used to suffer from a skin condition called ‘pitam’ which was cured when he had a bath with the water of this very spring.
Meanwhile, prominent citizen of Valpoi has raised concern about the Massordem spring and its deteriorating condition and have asked the authorities to take immediate action to upgrade it.
Last year, the ward councillor had presented a detail copy of Massordem beautification plan to the authorities and was assured that the spring would be upgraded under GSIDC project.
He had also informed that the official were given direction to construct changing room for ladies and gents separately, which would increase the number of visitors here. However, so far nothing has materialised and all the promises and assurances are still waiting to be fulfilled.
