Team Herald
PANJIM: The petitioner on Tuesday in his affidavit before the High Court of Bombay at Goa, submitted the hydrology report giving details of the required protection of its aquifers and the riparian flow to protect the Oxel, Siolim natural heritage spring.
The petitioners Suraj Chodankar and Avertino Miranda have filed a public interest litigation (PIL) writ petition seeking to quash and set aside the technical clearance order granted by the Senior Town Planner, Mapusa, for the construction of eight residential villas with eight swimming pools and soak pits at Oxel, Siolim.
The petitioners stated that they engaged hydrogeological studies, M/s Terra Hydrotech Solutions, for the purpose of carrying out a study of the Oxel Spring area. The said agency visited the area on September 30, 2024, and the final hydrogeological report was received by the petitioners from the agency on October 14, 2024.
The important findings and conclusions of the Hydrogeological Study report of Oxel Spring are as follows: The spring, popularly known as “Padigarachi Zor”, is in Aradi by the roadside at the foot of a hillock on which sits the Our Lady of the Sea Church. This particular spring has been renovated by the Water Resources Department (WRD) for better preservation and access. The area surrounding the spring is characterised by the presence of coconut and cashew plantation as well as paddy field indicating a diverse agro ecosystem.
The spring in Oxel is over 100 years old, indicating a long standing hydrological future. The spring maintains a continuous flow even during the summer months and does not dry up. From the subsoil water seepage map it can be inferred that the entire subsoil water flow in the study area is towards the Oxel spring. Any surface water infiltrating in the vicinity of 100 meters radius of the spring will contribute towards the flow of the spring. Any human interventions or development in this area will have a direct effect on the water quality of the spring.
The proposed developmental activities as evident by reclamation of the low-lying area near the Oxel spring, pose a big danger to the very existence of the spring. The excavation for building foundations and installation of swimming pools could disrupt the natural hydrology of the area, leading to changes in the recharge rate of the spring.
Furthermore, the improper handling of chlorinated pool water can introduce harmful chemicals into the surrounding soil and groundwater. Discharge of untreated waste from the settlements to be located near the spring can have a negative impact on the ecological health of the spring. Overflow and leakages of septic tanks and soak pits can contaminate the subsoil water. It is advisable to avoid such development activities within the core zone and buffer zone in interest of the protection of the spring.
The matter has now been posted for further hearing on October 23.