The renowned Pomburpa spring is in a state of neglect and requires urgent attention.
Photo Credits: Agnelo Pereira
MAPUSA
Once known for its pristine waters and scenic beauty, Pomburpa Spring, a popular tourist destination in Bardez, lies in a state of neglect and disrepair.
Fourteen years ago, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) renovated the site with a substantial investment of Rs 1 crore.
However, the spring, once bustling with visitors, is far from its former glory.
Broken infrastructure, widespread vandalism and garbage-strewn surroundings have turned the once-thriving tourist spot into an eyesore.
The decline of Pomburpa Spring is evident from the moment one steps foot on the grounds. The area is littered with waste and liquor bottles, a clear indication of how the space is now misused by miscreants.
Broken fitments, once part of the spring’s facilities, either lie scattered around or have been stolen. What was once a scenic location is now a shadow of its former self, with the toilets and changing room facilities in total disarray.
Medicinal waters, abandoned grounds
The spring’s water, renowned for its medicinal properties, attracted both locals and tourists alike. Many would come to bathe in the crystal-clear waters, seeking its healing benefits.
Pomburpa Spring was a favourite spot for weekend picnics and relaxation, not just for tourists but for the local community as well.
However, with its current deplorable condition, even locals now refrain from visiting, fearing the unhygienic and unsafe environment.
Despite repeated calls for attention and promises of restoration, no significant work has been done to revive the spring.
Unkept promises of restoration
The dire situation has not gone unnoticed by officials.
In May 2023, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, accompanied by local MLA Carlos Ferreira, visited the site.
After witnessing the condition of the spring, the Tourism Minister assured the public that immediate steps would be taken to restore the spot.
He announced plans to undertake a comprehensive renovation project, aimed at revitalising the area and restoring its popularity as a tourist destination.
He had proposed a self-sustaining project model, which would ensure that the renovated site could generate enough revenue to maintain itself in the long run.
As part of this plan, a consultant was appointed to identify shortcomings, including the lack of essential facilities such as toilets, changing rooms, a children’s park, parking areas and other amenities crucial for a tourist spot.
Khaunte further assured that tenders for the renovation work would be floated within two months of his visit.
However, 16 months later, there has been no visible progress. The promised changes have yet to materialise, and the spring remains in the same dilapidated condition as before, with no sign of improvement.
Local residents have expressed their growing frustration over the continued neglect of the spring.
“It’s heart breaking to see a place with so much potential fall into such a miserable state. We were hopeful after the minister’s visit, but nothing has changed. It’s as if the promises were forgotten,” said one local.
Cry for immediate action
The current state of Pomburpa Spring serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Goa’s tourism sector.
The need for urgent restoration is clear, not only to revive the area as a tourist spot but also to preserve it as a vital part of the local community’s heritage.
Whether the promises made by the government will finally be fulfilled remains to be seen.
For now, the spring continues to cry out for attention, its waters flowing through a landscape that is sadly crumbling around it.
