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CAUGHT ON THE WRONG FOOT
* Presently, there appears no scope for repairing the bund as the original embankment has collapsed and it is now bounded by the new structure that is being built, says the report
* There is no chronic erosion along the Siolim river bank as wrongly projected by WRD and therefore ‘erosion control measures’ do not have any scientific validity
* The report states that WRD is trying to push the massive project on the pretext of river front development, erosion control, or agricultural properties and tourist facilities
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A report prepared by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) member Dr Antonio Mascarenhas has castigated the Water Resources Department (WRD) over alleged violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms during the construction and repairs of a bund at Siolim, and also development of river front along the Chapora River.
An inspection carried out by the Dr Mascarenhas, a well-known scientist, also revealed that the WRD in the garb of bund repair is deviously building a large-size jetty/platform, which is equivalent to a major tidal encroachment.
On directions from the National Green Tribunal, Dr Mascarenhas had conducted a site inspection along the banks of Chapora River to verify the nature of the work being carried out. The report was tabled at the GCZMA meeting held on June 21.
The site inspection report has revealed that though approvals were sought from GCZMA for the repairs of the bund, a jetty-like concrete structure resting on thick columns was being constructed. The site is located about 50-60 metres upstream of the Siolim-Chopdem bridge and falls within the ambit of CRZ 2011 regulations.
The report has also stated that as the Chapora estuarine system is virtually uncharted, aspects like geomorphology, bathymetry, sediment composition and distribution, flora and fauna need urgent consideration.
“These aspects have been overlooked, despite being essential. But the work commenced without even a preliminary scientific study about the repercussions of such a massive interference along the bank and within the realm of river Chapora that is governed by daily tides”, read the report which also stated that a detailed Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) studies are compulsory before taking up such projects in saline water, as per the CRZ 2011 notification.
Additionally, the report states that no independent study has been carried out of the floral, faunal and fishery aspects of the Chapora estuary and these studies have to be carried out independently.
The Report also revealed that the construction is entirely a new activity that will impinge into the tidal river domain.
“Manifold obstacles, in this case 36 proposed piles, are abound to interfere with the natural circulation, river flow patterns that invariably lead to erosion or accretion, upstream and downstream in the river,” the report pointed.
The Report also stated that though the WRD officials at the site categorically informed us that this structure is not a jetty and not meant for boats nor has provisions for anchoring, a detailed visual inspection clearly reveals that the construction is indeed comparable to a jetty and will also have a higher level than any other normal jetty, which eventually may be used as a facility for large boats.
“Presently, there appears no scope for repairing the bund as the original embankment has collapsed and it is now bounded by the new structure that is being built. Additionally, there is no chronic erosion along the Siolim river bank as wrongly projected by WRD and therefore ‘erosion control measures’ do not have any scientific validity and hence offer no justification”, reads the report.
The report, however, stated that WRD is trying to push the massive project in the pretext of river front development, erosion control, employment avenues, protection of houses or agricultural properties and tourist facilities.
“A proposal worth Rs 9,80,65,000 cannot be recognised as an experimental project (that is intended to be replicated elsewhere),” stated the report adding that the motives behind the project cannot be justified based on the needs of the people especially local villagers as most of them belong to the fisher folk community.
