Cortalim Independent MLA Antonio Vas has written to the Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department (WRD) objecting to a re ported proposal to convert land around Zuari Lake into a settlement zone, which he has claimed is linked to Zuari Industries Ltd (ZIL) and Paradeep Phosphate Ltd (PPL). In his letter, which was also marked to the Town and Country Planning De partment’s (TCP) Chief Town Planner (CTP), Goa State Wetland Authority’s (GSWA) Member Secretary, and South Goa Collector, Vas expressed serious concern over what he described as the ecological and hydro logical risks of such con version. He said the move could lead to irreversible environmental damage and adversely affect local water security. According to Vas, Zuari Lake has already been in cluded in the Draft Notifi cation issued by the GSWA on February 8, 2024, for consideration under the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. These rules are designed to protect ecologically sen sitive water bodies by pro hibiting activities that may alter their natural character or disturb their ecological balance. He stated that al lowing any land conversion near the lake would contra dict the spirit of these rules and endanger one of the region’s most vital natural ecosystems. In his appeal, the MLA, who supports the State BJP government, called for ex pedited action to formally notify Zuari Lake as a pro tected wetland under the 2017 Rules. “Once notified, the lake will receive the le gal protection necessary to prevent further encroach ment and ecological harm,” Vas wrote, adding that the surrounding natural and orchard cover must be pre served to maintain its eco logical stability and water recharge functions. Vas further noted in his letter that Zuari Lake has long served as a natural catchment area and could, with appropriate treatment facilities, be developed as a future source of drinking wa ter for Sancoale and neigh bouring villages. He warned that large-scale alteration of orchard and natural land cover could result in higher surface runoff, sewage load ing, and hydrological disrup tion, ultimately degrading water quality and accelerat ing biodiversity loss. He urged the concerned authorities to withhold any conversion approvals until a comprehensive sci entific and environmental assessment is conducted, followed by consultations with local communities. Vas emphasised that only an evidence-based and partic ipatory process can ensure the sustainable manage ment of the Zuari Lake eco system
Cortalim MLA Antonio Vas Opposes Land Conversion Near Zuari Lake, Cites Environmental Risks
