PANJIM: Pilerne Lake, also known as Saulem Tollem in Pilerne is officially notified as wetlands under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 of the Central government.
Earlier, in October, Xeldem Lake, Cottombi Lake and Nanda Lake in Quepem Taluka, Toyyar Lake in Chimbel Tiswadi, Dhasi Lake in Revora-Bardez and Sarzora Lake in Salcete Taluka were notified as wetlands.
As per the notification, these water-bodies are considered to be “critically significant” for its ecosystem service and biodiversity values for the local communities and society at large.
The Pilerne Lake admeasures an area of 46,010 sq mts. “The water body is considered to be critically significant for its ecosystem services and biodiversity values for the local communities and society at large. And it is considered that for sustaining these values, the ecological character of wetland ecosystem needs to be maintained by regulating developmental activities within the wetland as well as within its zone of influence,” the notification reads.
As per the notification, the prohibited activities within the wetland boundaries are conversion for non-wetland uses including encroachment of any kind, setting up of any industry and expansion of existing industries with the exception of modernisation of existing industries which will not affect the ecological balance of the wetland under consideration, no construction, demolition, hazardous, electronic or other waste can be dumped in a wetland, discharge of untreated wastes and effluents, plastic or solid waste, extraction of sand or mud for commercial purpose, etc.
Activities like agriculture cultivation, fishing, religious practices, removal of water for domestic consumption, plantation of trees are permitted within the wetland boundaries.