In the ever increasing propaganda about Goa, a tourism brochure mentions about “seven mesmerizing lakes in Goa” that include the Netravali bubbling lake, Arambol sweet water body, Mayem, Carambolim, Curtorim, Sarzora and Batim. Of these, the first four are known tourist spots. Netravali is too far into the forests, Arambol is frequented only by certain type of tourists, Mayem is popular but heavily built up on one side, and Carambolim known for migratory cranes but partly reclaimed for the rail station and with housing colonies on the opposite side. Countless lakes all along the coastal wetlands in particular appear forgotten.
The inland aquatic systems constitute a vital component of the natural heritage of Goa. Instead of conserving them as additional sources of fresh water, many lakes are found in various stages of degradation. Some prominent ones are discussed here:
(1) Mala lake: Located at the foothills of Altinho, the lake with an area of 14.000 m2 serves as a water reservoir as well as a flood bay. Its link with the Ourem creek helps discharge of excess water. With an abandoned ‘beautification’ plan, a natural asset of Panjim city is presently in shambles.(2) Ambulor lake: Around 900 metres long, with an area of 224.760 m2, this perennial water body is located at the foot of a hill at Verna. SoI toposheets of 1964 show this lake has channels that transfer water to a vast expanse of paddy fields on the west. The ecosystem is now threatened by construction activity all around. (3) River Sal: The upper reaches of the flowing river contain freshwater with a series of check dams. This system can hold and supply plenty of water, for which a judicious dredging and restoration plan is needed. (4) Colva lake: This site, capable of storing a large amount of water, is part of a contiguous wetland. It has a connection to the Colva creek where it discharges. Surprisingly, this portion is sought to be reclaimed; the entire wetland is now endangered.(5) Saipem lake: Presently under the onslaught of the new highway, the water body will be traversed by a roadway on stilts. If the scattered mud is not cleared, the lake will cease to exist.(6) Fatorda lake: A prominent lake of the recent past, a water body of 120.000 m2 is/was linked to the river Sal in the west. In fact used for water storage, agriculture and horticulture, it presents a derelict dry bed. The savants of Margao have totally neglected a natural asset; an urgent restoration plan is imperative.(7) Raitolem–Curtorim lake complex: The system offers an intricate landscape: (a) The Raitolem lake in the south with an area of 130.000 m2 is a perennial water body, with traditional cultivars on one side; (b) The Curtorim lake in front of the church, at a lower level, occupies 115.000 m2; this sector functions as lake – paddy field – fish pond. (8) Maina lakes: Very large interlinked water bodies that extend up to Raia are almost entirely invaded by water plants. This system sustains the adjacent paddy fields calls for urgent remedial measures before the lakes turn into marshlands. (9) Mai Tollem lake: Another majestic lake in eastern Curtorim, occupies an area of about 110.000 m2, feeds all the surrounding paddy fields. Another smaller lake is found in the vicinity. According to knowledgeable villagers, the ecosystem is degraded, as saline water from the Zuari River enters inside; mangroves have occupied some parts.(10) Macazana lake: A vast sweet water body of 99.000 m2, the terraced fields in the adjacent northern part are fed by this water for cultivation. This ecosystem appears intact.(11) Raia Lake: Located in the lower reaches of the church, this small water body collects rain water that flows down the hill through a channel, but feeds the adjacent low-lying paddy fields. The area needs restoration efforts.
The account above is by no means complete. Lowlands of Goa have innumerable freshwater lakes and ponds that offer a large fishery potential, and represents the agro industry of yesteryears. Today, an integral part of our wetlands are lying in shambles due to neglect. The survival of paddy fields is dependent on them. Some of these do appear in good health as they are not yet “concretized”; some are inhabited by invasive water plants and will eventually transform into swamplands; a few in the vicinity of rivers are colonized by mangroves; some are contaminated by anthropogenic material due to land runoff; several parts are reclaimed for roads. Also, it is not known how much sediment has accumulated in these basins. Investigations of bathymetry and limnology of these lakes is imperative. Several knowledgeable scientists have already documented the rapid degradation of, and the need for restoring these wetland ecosystems. Some mild dredging to remove surficial muck could increase the water holding capacity, so that lakes function as additional sources of freshwater.
A Wetland Authority of Goa was constituted few years ago, with several sub committees, in which this author is also a member. Its objective is to look after the management and wise use of wetlands. Although ecological issues and human interference have been presented and discussed time and again, the ground reality presents a different scenario. The village panchayats possess geographical details of water bodies under their jurisdiction. More importantly, the Communidades of Goa, the original owners of large tracts of khazans, have ancient maps and inventories of natural assets; they need to make forceful interventions in favour of the ecosystem services and rejuvenation (rather than ‘beautification’) and preservation of heritage inland aquatic systems of Goa.
(Dr Antonio Mascarenhas is a former Scientist, NIO, Goa)
