PANAJI
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has instructed the Captain of Ports (CoP) department to carry out a detailed study on the possible effects of dredging the Chapora river on marine life and the nearby coast or banks.
They also need to assess any potential erosion or build-up in the area.
The CoP department had sought permission from the GCZMA for Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance to conduct maintenance dredging at the mouth of the Chapora river. GCZMA experts inspected the site and noted that it falls under CRZ IV, as per the 2011 notification.
The proposed dredging involves 1,25,000 cubic metres of material, covering an area 1,000 metres long, 50 metres wide, and 2.5 metres deep.
Based on the expert recommendations, the GCZMA has stated that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) must be conducted both during and after dredging.
It also advised that the impact on the water flow and shape of the river, along with the surrounding areas, should be studied, including the effect on sediment movement, erosion, and marine life, before starting the dredging.
The GCZMA has postponed its decision on the application, recommending that the dredging depth should be reassessed and limited to the minimum required to reduce the volume of dredging.
“All precautions must be taken to prevent water, air, and noise pollution during dredging, which should follow standard procedures and guidelines,” said the experts.
The Authority also emphasised the importance of identifying a suitable dumping site and evaluating its environmental viability to prevent ecological harm.
During the site inspection, experts observed that sandbars at the mouth of the Chapora river are causing hazards for navigation, as they accumulate sand and reduce depth. “The dredging is necessary to ensure the safe and smooth passage of fishing trawlers during all tides,” the report stated.
The CoP department previously carried out maintenance dredging in 2011-12, removing around 33,000 cubic metres of material, and in 2018-19, dredging approximately 1,05,000 cubic metres.
