PANJIM: The Goa Biodiversity Board (GBB) has identified over 6.2 sq kms area of the Curtorim village panchayat, covering several lakes, springs and khazan land as biodiversity heritage sites (BHS). 

The project is marked as Curtorim Biodiversity Heritage site (Raitollem-Zuari: Integrated traditional Agro-Pisci-ecosystem). 

The extent of BHS includes Ralloi lake– Vaingnoddi, Angdi lake (opposite Curtorim Church) Kottambo Poi (water channel up to River Zuari) along with Sonbem (Maina) lake, Mai lake, Kum (Colomba) lake and Gud lake (6 lakes). 

It will also include khazan areas, mangroves and agro-ecosystems including springs, namely Dumgale spring, Panchbhat spring, Tambetim spring, Antepar Batora spring, Fondegal spring, Grande Rumbordem spring, Paldem spring, Gonsoi spring and Ungirim spring. 

GBB has clarified that with declaration of these areas as BHS, there will not be any disturbance to the existing traditional practices undertaken by the locals. 

“The existing traditional practices of land use, activities such as farming, fisheries, bund making/ restoration using traditional or new but eco friendly techniques utilising local material, requirements to manage salt water intrusion by managing mangroves, etc. shall not be hampered or disturbed due to BHS declaration,” the GBB has said in their draft.

“However the change in land use shall not be permitted,” it added.

GBB has said that the existing land use shall be maintained. “Integrity of ecosystems shall be ensured. Also existing households shall not be affected due to BHS declaration. Traditionally existing methods of auctioning of fishing and other rights as per prevailing systems, any other rights under any other prevailing legal provisions shall not be affected or disturbed due to BHS,” the Board has clarified.