PANAJI
The Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has ruled that the proposed modernisation of the water conveying system under the Anjunem Irrigation Project does not require prior Environmental Clearance (EC), holding that the works are limited to repair and renovation of the existing irrigation infrastructure and do not amount to project expansion.
The decision came after the Water Resources Department (WRD) sought clarification from SEIAA on whether the project requires prior EC under the EIA Notification, 2006. The Centre has recently sanctioned Rs 280 crore for the project.
SEIAA had earlier directed the WRD to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) outlining the complete scope of the proposed works, technical specifications, project components and extent of repairs.
The WRD informed the Authority that the proposal does not involve construction of any new dam or reservoir, increase in water storage capacity, diversion of additional water resources, expansion of the command area, land acquisition, rehabilitation or resettlement. Instead, the project is aimed at restoring and modernising the existing irrigation network by reconstructing deteriorated canal structures, upgrading the lift irrigation system and improving water-use efficiency through reduction of transmission losses.
SEIAA observed that maintenance and repair of existing canal systems are exempt from the requirement of prior EC under the EIA Notification. It further noted that the proposed activities substantially comprise repair, renovation and modernisation of the existing irrigation system without creating new irrigation infrastructure or expanding the sanctioned command area.
"The proposal essentially pertains to repair/renovation of the existing irrigation project and does not involve expansion of the project requiring prior Environmental Clearance under the EIA Notification, 2006, as amended," the Authority said in its decision.
The SEIAA, however, stipulated that there shall be no increase in the originally sanctioned command area, no increase in existing water storage capacity and no creation of any new irrigation command area beyond the existing sanctioned project. The WRD has also been directed to obtain all other statutory approvals, wherever applicable, before commencing the works.
The Authority further clarified that any future deviation involving expansion of the project or enhancement of irrigation potential beyond the sanctioned limits would require fresh examination under the prevailing environmental regulatory framework.
