PANAJI
Pending demarcation of the Zone of Influence around the notified Bondvol wetland, TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane has directed the department not to grant any construction permissions within a 200-metre radius of the Lake.
A delegation of St Cruz villagers met Rane on Monday, opposing any development around the lake. The Minister assured them that no permissions would be issued until the Goa State Wetland Authority (GSWA) finalises and clarifies the zone of influence.
Rane said that the conversion in the area was carried out as per the Regional Plan 2021, and that there was no lapse on the part of the TCP department in the matter.
“Unless and until the Wetland Authority clarifies the status of the Bondvol lake area, directions have been given to the TCP not to grant any permissions within 200 metres of the lake. There was no lapse on the part of the TCP department. The land conversion was carried out as per the Regional Plan 2021,” Rane said.
He added that the matter would be placed before the TCP Board for further deliberation.
Villagers have been demanding proper demarcation of the zone of influence before any construction is allowed. The issue resurfaced after locals claimed that a private party was seen conducting surveys for a proposed project near the lake. They also alleged that the GSWA has notified a narrow buffer zone and warned that unchecked construction could damage the wetland’s fragile ecology.
The villagers cautioned that they would launch a major agitation if any permissions are granted before the zone is clearly demarcated.
