The Bench of Bombay High Court in Goa, while stating that the ‘Bondvol’ lake has to be treated as an ecosystem, constituted a task force headed by Chief Conservator of Forest to prepare a road map for protection and conservation of the water body.
It may be recalled that on July 26, 2017, the HC had constituted a committee of experts with a task to submit a report after visiting the site of Bondvol Lake. The Committee has suggested various measures such as maintenance of the bund, demolition of the structures and monitoring seepages through the dam. The report stated that the water body is a pristine water body and the disturbance should be kept to minimum so that the ground water is not contaminated.
“In our opinion, the supply of water is not the only facet of this water body. From the averments made in the Petitions it is clear that the lake has to be treated as an ecosystem”, HC said in its order.
“If it is treated as an ecosystem and steps are taken as such, various issues raised in the Petition will be addressed effectively”, order states further.
HC said that for effective preservation and conservation, input from authorities entrusted with the work of conservation and biodiversity is required and not just Water Resources Department and hence the task force has be constituted.
Task Force consists of the Chief Conservator of Forest as the Chairman, Secretary (Goa Biodiversity Board), Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department, one member from the Village Panchayat of St. Cruz, one member of the NGO, that is the Goa Foundation, and one member from the TCP.
The Task Force will now consider the various measures which have been suggested by the locals in the petition as well as the expert committee.
“The Task Force will prepare a road map as to take effective steps for protection and conservation of this water body from the angle of preserving it as an ecosystem”, HC order reads.
HC further directed that no construction to be allowed within 200 metres from the edge of the water (highest) level. The order also asked Forest department to carry out survey of existing trees in the area and no trees are cut on the periphery of the lake.
Petitioner Arthuro D’Souza said that lake is an ecosystem but it can be a very good source of water supply for the entire Calapur village, if it is preserved and conserved with effective implementation of HC directions and expert suggestions.
