PANAJI
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has granted its approval for the desilting of River Tar and the improvement of the Tar–Moira waterways for navigation purposes even as its expert committee raised concern with regards to possible destruction of mangrove vegetation.
During its meeting held on October 10, the Authority granted permission under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) to the Water Resources Department (WRD) for the improvement of waterways of Tar-Moira River from Guirim to NH bridge at Tar Junction, Mapusa, with a condition that mangroves and aquatic life is not affected. The desilting will be undertaken for a length of 4,415 metres.
“The Authority after detailed discussion decided to approve the proposal with a condition that the project proponent should take due care in execution of the project and ensure that mangroves and aquatic ecosystem shall not be disturbed,” the Authority said.
The Expert Committee of GCZMA was of the opinion that WRD be directed to conduct a detailed environment impact assessment (EIA) study with specific focus on mangrove and riverine ecology, before granting CRZ clearance.
The Committee noted that the proposed project site is surrounded by dense vegetation and clearing bushes and trees are not permitted as per law as it could lead to destabilising the river beds. “The mangrove vegetation should remain untouched. The mangrove ecosystem is a home to numerous aquatic organisms and hence extreme precautions and care to be maintained while carrying out the excavation work keeping in mind the aquatic organisms,” the committee had said.
As per the proposal, the location where the proposed improvement to waterways is to be undertaken is fully affected by a 50 metres mangrove buffer zone, fully affected by intertidal zone and partially affected by water body as per CZMP 2011.
“The scope of the proposed waterway improvement includes desilting of River Tar over a total length of 4415 metres. According to the CZMP 2011, the first 1200 metres of the alignment are outside the CRZ limits while the rest fall under the regulation zone,” it said.
