TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Dona Paula, has completed geological, geophysical and biological study of four rivers of the state and a report has been submitted to the government.
According to sources, the rivers whose geological, geophysical and biological study has been completed are Mandovi, Zuari, Chapora and Tiracol.
“We are studying all the major rivers of Goa. Till now we have completed study of Mandovi, Zuari, Chapora and Tiracol. Pre-monsoon study has been done while post-monsoon study is yet to be undertaken. We are trying to do geological, geophysical, biological study so that we can know where the sediment is getting deposited or withered, and what is the suitable place for sand extraction. The report has been submitted to the Goa government,” a source said.
The premier institute has also been assigned to undertake study of other rivers like Mapusa, Valvanti, Khandepar, Sinquerim and Cumbarjua over the course of time.
“Most of the sand comes in the river during monsoon period while sand also shifts from one place to another. Therefore, there is a need to conduct study in two seasons that too pre and post monsoon,” the source said.
Last year, the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) had identified 13 regions- eight along River Mandovi and five along the River Zuari estuary, covering a total area of 67.45 hectares, as feasible sand mining sites.
While recommending sand extraction only by traditional (manual) method, the NIO in its report had recorded approximately 11.17 lakh cubic metres of sand volume along these zones.
The NIO in its report had classified all the 13 regions into 20 zones, 10 each along Mandovi and Zuari rivers.
In 2019, the government had entrusted NIO with the task of undertaking a study of all the rivers in the State to identify its level of contamination, sources of pollution and recommend measures to revive the water bodies.
