PANJIM: Crystal Island, Cavelossim beach belt, Cortalim are likely to be declared biodiversity heritage Sites (BHS), thereby putting a complete halt on all development projects that could have an adverse impact on the area. Also, ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) identified in the Western Ghats and the existing Sacred Groves will be declared BHS.
It is learnt that the move basically aims at blocking two competing automobile hotel projects proposed at Cortalim and Cavelossim – the Agarwals Mini India Park and Crystal Island Hotel and Resort projects – currently in pipeline and strongly opposed by locals.
A team headed by Goa State Biodiversity Board Member Secretary Dr Nitin Sawant inspected the three sites on Monday morning. The initial findings of the inspection revealed the areas as suitable for declaring them as BHS thereby putting a complete ban on all development projects, whether of the government or private sector, that could lead to destruction of biodiversity and other natural resources.
“Declaring these as BHS will put an end to over exploitation of natural resources and avoid environmental degradation,” sources said, adding that the declaration of BHS will not put any restriction on the prevailing practices of and usage by local communities.
The inspection was carried out following directions from the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) which has granted two-three months time to the SBB to identify and declare BHS in the state in consultation with local governing bodies and other stakeholders. BHS will be identified as per the provisions of Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act.
“To strengthen the biodiversity conservation in traditionally managed areas and to stem the rapid loss of biodiversity in intensively managed areas, there is a need for identification of BHS of significance,” the guideline issued by NBA reads.
BHS are well defined areas that are unique, ecologically fragile ecosystems. They are spread over terrestrial, coastal and inland and marine waters having rich biodiversity.
NBA has said that the areas identified as eco-sensitive areas in Western Ghat and those sites which are not covered under protected area network under Wildlife Protection Act may be declared as BHS.
A state level 12-member committee has to be constituted to study the impact of declaration of BHS on local communities there, scope of livelihood generation, ecological profile of the area and other relevant aspects.
The state government has been directed to frame rules for the management and conservation of BHS and scheme for compensating the people economically affected by declaration of BHS.
