PANAJI
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority has given its nod to a private project for commercial development of a Khazan ecosystem along the Mapusa river at Chorao.
The project, “Marine Ecology and Ecotourism Centre”, has been proposed by M/s Milestone Resorts and is in close proximity to the bird sanctuary.
The GCZMA had decided to approve the project during its 270th meeting chaired by the secretary (environment).
According to the applicants, there is a plan to revive Khazan agriculture system through scientific approach, as this land was uncultivated due ingression of saline water due to damage of the bundhs.
The company will set up a coastal ecology information centre, traditional agriculture and pisciculture, training centre and stay facility for visitors and eco-tourists on the landward side of the Khazan area without creating any adverse environmental effects on the system.
The revival and creation of facilities at the site will be done based on advice of experts from ICAR, NIO and universities.
Baban Ingole, a retired scientist from NIO, has been advising to document species in and around the area, so that the same can be used in developing education and training material.
This project is expected to create a facility that will promote sustainable utilisation of khazan space by making it a training and awareness hub.
The project will consist of 21 temporary cottages on landward side of the bundh. These cottages will be of eco-friendly material like bamboos and other local material, including mud.
The GCZMA has put a condition that information centres must be fitted with prefabricated biodigesters and no concrete/masonry work will be allowed for septic tanks. Besides, the company will need permission from the Goa Pollution Control Board.
