MARGAO
Taking cognizance of the findings of the Guirdolim Bio-diversity Management Committee, the Goa State Biodiversity Board has told officials of the Water Resources department, besides the Town and Country Planning department and the Director, Agriculture to take necessary action on the question of filling of water bodies in the village by the railways executing the track doubling works.In a letter written by State Bio-diversity Board Member Secretary Dr Pradip Sarmokadam, officials of the three departments have been told to verify the findings of the Guirdolim bio-diversity Management Committee and initiate necessary action in the matter pertaining to their departments.
In its report prepared by the Chairperson of the Guirdolim Bio-diversity Management Committee, Agostinho Antao, it was clearly stated by the inspection team that mud has been filled up in the low lying paddy fields and the Naukhazan lake by the railways.
Inspection of the area by the Water Resources department had also revealed that the railways had started filling earth in the Naukhazan tank abruptly without considering the effect on the surrounding areas.
In fact, based on the inspection report, WRD Executive Engineer, Ankush Gaonkar had later issued a stop work notice with a direction to the Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd to immediately stop the work and submit the details of the proposed construction in order to consider the same from the point of flooding that may occur in the surrounding areas due to the alteration of drains and water body.
