Two years after the announcement of beautification of Carambolim lake, the proposal seems to be gathering dust in the Water Resources Department.
The scenic Carambolim lake near Old Goa, which forms the largest corridor in the state for local and migratory birds, was poised to get a green makeover.
A plan to provide a makeover for Carambolim lake with a conducive setting for roosting of birds and facilities for locals on its fringe to prevent pollution of the lake were announced by the government years ago.
A committee comprising officials from water resources, forest and agriculture department was formed to work out a plan to transform the lake and its surroundings.
The plan envisaged raising small mud islands of one-and -half metre dimension for roosting of birds, fencing off the area to keep out defecators and some beautification.
After Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar raised the issue in the Goa assembly through a private member’s resolution recently, Water Resources Minister Dayanand Mandrekar visited the area with the MLA and assured to take up the project.
But as of now nothing seems to happen, a few issues related to hygiene are posing danger to the Carambolim lake, which has been recommended as an important bird area (IBA) by bird life international due to its rich avian biodiversity.
Dumping of garbage on the north-eastern edge and other areas of the lake, open defecation by local residents and influx of sewage through a stream on its south-eastern side are issues to be tackled by authorities.
“The nullah with houses on either side and linked to the water bodies flowing into Cumbharjua canal is a major health hazard as pipes from toilets and houses are directly spouting waste into it,” a resident said.
Local MLA Pandurang Madkaikar has raised the issue several times in the Assembly but seems to have gone on deaf years.
“Most people in the area want the lake to be beautified,” Madkaikar told Herald.
He said that the proposal estimated at Rs 9 cr was submitted years ago.
“Government had already appointed a committee to propose a plan, which would be taken up in three phases,” he said.
Information from the WRD reveals that since 2012, the government has spent around Rs 9 lakh for various works undertaken for the development of the lake since 2011.
