PANAJI
The Captain of Ports department has initiatedthe process to undertake desilting of a tributary of the Mapusa River at Moira,citing difficulties faced by fishermen in navigating their canoes and floodingof low-lying agricultural fields due to siltation.
The proposed stretch covers around 2.10 km,with a width of 15 metres and desilting proposed up to two metres from theexisting depth. The work will cover the tributary from its confluence with theMapusa River up to Teen Manas, Ucassaim.
As per the tender document, siltation has beencausing difficulties for fishermen while fishing and navigating their canoes, particularlyduring low tide. It has also resulted in rainwater entering fields and damagingcrops in low-lying agricultural areas of Moira and Ucassaim.
Before the actual desilting work isundertaken, the department has proposed a Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment(REIA) study to assess the environmental implications of the project. The studywill examine water and sediment characteristics, fish diversity, aquaticorganisms and hydrodynamic conditions, besides assessing possible impacts onmangroves, seagrass, coral reefs and other ecologically sensitive areas.
The project is expected to be completed within90 days from the date of the work order. The tender document states that theurgency is linked to the difficulties caused by siltation to fishing andagricultural activities. A penalty of Rs 10,000 per day has been prescribed fordelays beyond the stipulated completion period.
