MARGAO: Farmer’s tenant associations have jointly submitted a memorandum on January 31, urging the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) and the Curtorim village panchayat to reconsider the inclusion of the ‘wetland ecosystem’ label in the draft proposal to declare the village a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS).
The associations participating in this appeal are the Sirgem Add and Angdoi Tollem Tenants Association, Curgunim Tenants Association, Tenants Association of Vaingonodde and Ralloi Tollem of Curtorim, along with Judas Simon Barretto and other individual farmers.
The memorandum claims that the preparation of the draft proposal for BHS lacked due consultation with these associations, particularly regarding the demarcation of paddy fields and adjoining water bodies as wetland ecosystems. This omission is significant not only because it overlooks the traditional knowledge and practices of these communities but also directly impacts members who have been custodians of these paddy fields and water bodies for generations, says the memo.
The farmers object to the use of the term ‘wetland ecosystem’ in the proposal, arguing that it is not recognised in the regulations and laws governing biodiversity in the area. The introduction of this label raises apprehensions among members, as it may lead to the declaration of water bodies as notified wetlands, imposing restrictions on water usage and limitations on construction activities for farmers residing near these water bodies.
The farmers are pushing for ‘accurate representation’, labelling these areas ‘water bodies’ or ‘paddy fields’ instead, according to their traditional and present usage.
Additionally, the memorandum urges authorities to ensure that all survey/subdivision numbers of the proposed areas are clearly indicated in the plan. Notably, in the case of Sonbem Tollem, subdivision numbers are not displayed on the plan, and the ryots call for this error to be rectified.
OPINION
Goa struggles to safeguard its wetlands
Despite efforts by the Goa State Wetland Authority to declare 44 lakes as wetlands, challenges persist in safeguarding these ecosystems. Only 15 lakes have been officially notified, with three more expected to receive notification soon. However, incidents like the sudden drying of the Bondvol Wetland after someone opened its sluice gates highlight the ongoing threats to wetlands.
In Xeldem, locals had to protest against government plans to install an electric pole on the wetland’s banks. Objections raised to the proposed designation of 26 wetlands often revolve around concerns for residential and commercial constructions within the buffer zone. The Public Works Department (PWD) and Konkan Railway Corporation have faced criticism for damaging parts of the wetlands in Cortalim and Arossim during the construction of roads and railway tracks. Residents of Benaulim are also livid over the dumping of rubble in low-lying fields and catchment areas where the Western Bypass is being constructed on embankments, which is expected to worsen the village’s flooding problem.
