PANAJI
The government has notified six water bodies as wetlands in the State, given their critical significance for the ecosystem services and biodiversity values for local communities and society at large.
The six wetland bodies notified are the Cottombi Lake, Xeldem Lake, Toyyar Lake, Dashi Lake, Sarzora Lake and Nanda Lake.
The wetland areas along with the zone of influence, including the buffer zone, have also been notified in the notification published on behalf of the Department of Environment and Climate Change.
Any kind of construction, conversion for non-wetland uses, setting up of any industry will not be allowed in the wetland areas. However, traditional fishing, farming and cultural activities will be allowed in wetland and zones of influence areas.
Trees will not be allowed in wetland areas, but indigenous plantations will be permitted in zones of influence.
The Goa State Wetland Authority had engaged the services of CSIR-NIO to prepare a document to identify the wetlands in the State.
During its 10th meeting, the GSWA recommended to the government to notify the wetlands under the provisions of Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
This draft was published in the Gazette on November 26, 2020, for the general public with a view to invite objections. The final draft has now been notified.
Solar-powered pumping water scheme for farmers notified
PANAJI: The government on Thursday notified the solar-powered pumping water scheme for farmers in the State.
The scheme is for the implementation of programme of Component-B of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha (PM-KUSUM) to provide offgrid, standalone Solar Photovoltaic Water
Pumping Systems (SPWPS) to farmers (inherited/self-owned/caretaker cultivator) with Subsidy Assistance for the year 2021-2022 in the State,” states the notification in the Gazette. The scheme shall be implemented through the Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA).
