OLD GOA
Expressing concern over the siltation and water hyacinth growth witnessed in Carambolim lake, WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar on Thursday said his department would take up development of the lake with prior approval of the environment ministry.
Shirodkar was speaking to reporters after an inspection of the Carambolim lake in the presence of Cumbharjua MLA Rajesh Phaldessai and WRD officials.
"This is the most beautiful and biggest lake in the State and there is so much possibilities here. It can be called as a small bird sanctuary as many birds visit the lake. However, a lot of siltation and water hyacinth growth has occurred which threatens the lake,” said Shirodkar.
“It needs to be preserved and we are going to undertake development of the lake under WRD. The plan and estimates for the same are ready.”
"The proposal has to be sent to the environment ministry and the environment council has to approve it, after which we can undertake the development," Shirodkar informed, while stating that, if required, he would invite Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral to visit to the lake.
When asked about the development plan, Shirodkar said desiltation will be done and the hyacinth growth will be removed.
"Also, the upper side of the lake will be protected so that encroachment does not happen. If encroachment happens, then the size of the lake will decrease. That should not be allowed to happen," the minister added.
When questioned on the opposition by the locals towards declaration of the lake as wetland, Shirodkar shot back: "If everywhere there is opposition to wetland, then where shall we declare wetland? After all, a wetland is a wetland," he opined.
