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THE GOAN NETWORK
OLD GOA: The Goa State Wetlands Authority (GSWA) held a public consultation meeting for people of Santa Cruz as well as the stakeholders, to get their views, suggestions and objections on the declaration of Bondvoll Lake as wetland.
The consultation, which is probably the first of its kind in the State, was attended by hundreds of locals from the village as well as representatives of Calapur Communidade and was held at the St Cruz high school premises on Wednesday, with the Nodal Officer of GSWA Dr Pradip Sarmokadam heading the same.
“Suggestions can be given in writing or through email within the next 7 days,” Sarmokadam informed the gathering while stating that those who want to express their views could do the same at this public consultation.
“This is the first time in our State that such consultation for declaration of wetland is held. This has been done within a short span because of a court order,” he added and informed that the consultation is held to give recommendation to the wetland authority.
Speaking at the consultation, Arturo D’Souza said documents show that in 1908, the Bondvoll lake was declared as a public utility project, by an order.
“This should be noted as there is a SC order which states that no land, which belongs to a community or communidade, can have private ownership,” he pointed out.
He further stated that people are planting trees on the embankment of the lake, which poses danger to the embankment. “Authorities concerned should not allow such activity,” he demanded.
“Water from Bondvoll neutralizes the salinity of saline water, which helps farmers in cultivating their fields, hence the lake is very important for agriculture,” D’Souza further opined.
On the issue of whether Bondvoll is a lake, reservoir or stream, Elsa Dias stated that in 1901, when the Communidade took up development of the area, there was no record whether it was considered as lake, reservoir or stream.
“When this record is not available, we cannot argue on the same in 2019,” she stated.
Domnic Fernandes said that wells are replenished because of Bondvoll Lake. “So it has to be maintained at all cost,” Fernandes said and stated that because of one farmer, hundreds of farmers should not be made to suffer.
Special attorney of Calapur Communidade Peter Gonsalves said that the lake water is not used only for drinking purpose, but also for socio-economic activities like irrigation and agriculture.
“It consists of 12 metre height, 180 metres length and the storing capacity is 89.569 hectares of land which corresponds to almost 90,000 sq. metres water carrying capacity,” Gonsalves informed.
“Water conservation is very important as it cannot be produced. There is need to protect biodiversity of the lake and the buffer zone of 200 metres should also be maintained,” he added.
Another speaker Olavio Fernandes said there should not be any tenancy in the catchment area of the lake.
Former MLA Victor Gonsalves also spoke on the occasion. St Cruz MLA Tony Fernandes, sarpanch Lawrence Rodrigues, panchas and others were present at the meeting.
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INSET 1
Bondvoll Lake is heritage of Calapur: St Cruz MLA
THE GOAN NETWORK
OLD GOA: Speaking in favour of declaring Bondvoll Lake as wetland, St Cruz MLA Tony Fernandes opined that the lake is the heritage of Calapur.
“I strongly suggest that Bondvoll Lake be declared as wetland as its water will be useful for the people in the future,” he stated, while speaking at the public consultation.
Further, Fernandes requested Dr Pradip to include locals from Santa Cruz, including himself, in the biodiversity board so that they are aware on the decision on Bondvoll Lake.
Replying to MLA’s demand, Dr Sarmokadam informed that in any wetland management, there will be a local committee consisting of locals from the concerned village.
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INSET 2
No decision without consulting people: GSWA
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THE GOAN NETWORK
OLD GOA: Raising objections to the receipt of objections from stakeholders even after holding a public consultation, attorney of Calapur Communidade Wency Dias said this should not be allowed as people would not come to know about the same.
“I oppose it as anybody who has any objection should submit the same today itself. There should not be any objections received after the public consultation,” Dias stated.
On the issue, Adv Anthony Lawrence said objections submitted after the public consultation should be made available to the public.
“Authorities should make these objections available either in the panchayat or the church,” he demanded.
Clarifying on the issue, Dr Sarmokadam said the seven-day period has been given so that people can submit suggestions in writing.
“There is nothing to be worried about. Before taking any decision, the same would be placed before the panchayat and stakeholders would also be apprised about the same. No decision will be taken without consulting the people,” he assured.
Later, Dr Sarmokadam explained the various restrictions that would come into force once the area is declared as wetland. The restrictions include encroachments, setting up of industries, handling of hazardous waste, dumping of solid waste, release of waste water, construction activity and poaching activity.
“This is a major public consultation and there will be no further consultations. Whatever views are received will be respected and recorded and all the concerns will be placed before authorities concerned,” Dr Sarmokadam stated, while concluding the public consultation meeting.
