Team Herald
PANJIM: A joint committee comprising of Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and Water Resources Department (WRD) has submitted that River Tar has been polluted.
In a report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Tribunal observed “The report substantiates the fact of dumping of waste, sewage and siltation rendering the riverine area toxic, emitting foul smell in the area. It is stated that cleaning has not been done and no permission has been obtained for the purpose from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority by either the Water Resources Department or by the contractor as the area falls under the CRZ-III.”
Mapusa Municipal Council had earlier in February this year launched a project involving the dredging and desilting of Tar River at Bastora and reinforcing the bridge across it.
Subsequently, activist Kashinath Shetye had approached the NGT stating the embankment will adversely affect the eco-sensitive estuary, identified as a habitat for the smooth-coated otter and Asian small-clawed other species.
National Green Tribunal had on February 20, ordered an inspection by the joint committee of Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority , GSPCB and WRD. The committee submitted its report earlier this month.
Referring to the report, NGT observed, “Dumping of mud/murrum in the river by mechanical means has also been confirmed. Essentially, it has been recommended that all these works should be prohibited until clearances are obtained from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority and, this ought to be done urgently considering the adverse environmental effect of delay and removal of such materials from the river.”
However, the in the subsequent report the Committee submitted that that no work was being carried out at the location, the murrum filling carried out to make access referred to in the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority report appears to have been removed, no traces of murrum filling or the water being turbid due to such filling were observed and water samples of the river are being analyzed by the Board to ascertain the level of other parameters.
The National Green Tribunal has now directed for a second joint inspection by the authorities in presence of the applicant Kashinath Shetye and submit a factual report.
