Experts such as retired govt engineers criticise construction of dams in Mhadei

Panjim: On the lines with the environmentalists, quite a few structural engineers and geologists are not quiet contented with the constructions of dams in Mhadei River basin. The experts have questioned the wisdom of the central authorities for allowing the projects without considering its feasibility on inter-state rivers. 

“If dams constructed in the catchment area are intercepting runoff to the river, the question is how the Central Water Commission allowed it. It also requires Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study and approval of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF),” retired Chief Engineer with the Public Works Department (PWD) A A Parulekar told Herald. 

Herald, in its edition on October 13 had published that Mhadei basin will soon get 61 dams of which two at Amthane and Anjunem are already complete. The 1998 approved projects resumed in March 23,2020 when the Water Resources Department and Forest Department undertook survey investigation and contour survey of 10 out of the 59 projects, being on priority.   

Parulekar stated that no State can take up a project on inter-State waters. “As per my knowledge, no State can take up such work on interstate rivers without approval of the CWC,” he stated. 

Retired senior superintendent of the PWD, who requested anonymity, had the same opinion as Parulekar as he questioned the need for construction at a time when environment-related issues are already taking a back-seat in Goa.   

“A lot has changed in the last 22 years and despite water allocation permitted by way of an order by the Mhadei Water Disputes Tribunal in 2018; the government should ensure there is no damage to the existing basin with more constructions. Fresh study should be conducted,” he said. 

The officer, who has been a part of the joint inspections of dams/bandharas construction, suggested that the authorities should have objected to the projects. 

Geologist with Goa University Anthony Viegas, however, has a different view in support of the projects. He stated that government would not come up with projects without feasibility and technical study. “These are not dams but mini-dams and bandharas. When the government talks about 59 structures, they would have done some feasibility and technical study before shortlisting the locations,” he said. 

But, another geologist, who also maintained that the projects seem to be small dams like artificial rainfall catchment for irrigation; however sought for a seismic survey of the area. “Ideally for an area to be submerged for building dams, there has to be a geological seismic survey in place, which ascertain that there aren’t any faults or even fissures in the underlying rock strata besides it is not being in an earthquake zone,” he said, while adding, “From the engineering point of view, if it is a dam across the river, then the river water diversion plan ensuring the inhabitants aren’t affected need to be looked into.” 

The expert also shared his opinion on the periodical desilting of the dams. “If it isn’t done, which has been the case with our present dams being inactive for desilting, then, these small dams will be white elephants within a decade or two,” he said. 

The environmentalists have already expressed their displeasure on the upcoming projects arguing it will have severe impact on the ecology and the fate of future displaced families will also be unsure.