PANAJI
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has sought clarification from the Captain of Ports over its proposed Mapusa river desilting project after it was observed that the environment impact assessment (EIA) study undertaken does not contain any baseline analysis data of air or water quality.
The Authority, during its meeting held last month, also noted that the CoP has altered the total proposed desiliting length from 3.5 kms as mentioned in the EIA to 5 kms in the application submitted seeking CRZ clearance.
The Hydrographic Surveyor of CoP has proposed for the desilting of Mapusa river for the stretch from Mapusa to Moira. The project involves excavating the river bed material and increase the depth.
“The EIA report is incomplete as it does not contain any baseline analysis data of air or water quality. The project proponent is directed to provide this data at the earliest,” the Authority said.
“For the project, it is mentioned in the application letter dated 16/11/2024 within an area of "5.0km in length, 15.0mtr wide and 2.0mtr depth from the existing depth". But in the EIA report submitted, it is mentioned within an area of "3.5km in length, 15mtr wide and 2 mtr depth". The date on the EIA report is 08/11/2023 and it is clear that the length of the river to be desilted has been modified to 5km from 3.5km, after preparation of the EIA report,” the Authority noted while seeking clarification.
The GCZMA also noted that the EIA report has highlighted the various impacts of the proposed project on the environment like, air and noise pollution, land pollution, impact on the ecological and biological environments, and water pollution.
The Authority also said that the present proposal aims at desilting and deepening the depth of the water body, which is surrounded by dense mangrove vegetation and clearing of bushes and trees are not permitted as it could destabilise the river beds.
“The mangrove vegetation should remain untouched. The mangrove ecosystem is a home to numerous aquatic organisms. Hence, extreme precaution and care needs to be maintained while carrying out the excavation keeping in mind the aquatic organisms,” the authority said.
According to the project proponent, heavy siltation in the Mapusa river causes flooding during monsoons in the low-lying areas and agriculture fields in the villages of Succoro, Vaddem, Guirim, Bastora and Mapusa.
“The Mapusa river stretch under consideration has limitations for navigations due to silting over the years and the area adjoining experiences flooding during the monsoons and the river stretch has prolific growth of hydrophytes indicating pollution. Desilting of the said stretch of Mapusa river will help prevent flooding which will able to resolve health, hygiene and crop damage issues, make the river navigable, aiding fishing activities, free flow will help maintain health of riverine ecosystem which in turn support good biodiversity including fishing,” CoP said.
The location where the desilting is proposed falls within CRZ IV B (water body) as per CZMP 2011.
