In a high-stakes standoff over the fate of Bondvoll Lake, San ta Cruz residents have hit the ‘pause’ button on planned protests to await the outcome of the Goa State Wetland Authority (GSWA) board meeting on February 11. While the community has deferred immediate action follow ing assurances from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, locals have issued a stern ultimatum: if demands for a comprehensive re-survey and an expanded ‘zone of influence’ are not met, they are prepared to take to the streets. The villagers stated that the Chief Minister has as sured them that the de mands placed before the government would be considered at the meeting. They expressed confidence that their key demand for a comprehensive re-survey of the entire Bondvoll Lake would be taken up by the authority. Speaking to reporters, Arturo D’Souza, Chairper son of the St Cruz Biodi versity Committee and the Lake Management Commit tee, said that around 700 people had been called for a meeting to discuss con cerns related to Bondvoll Lake.
“We have learnt that on February 11, 2026, a board meeting of the Goa State Wetland Authority will be held. We have submitted our representation and have tried to convince the nodal officer about our concerns,” D’Souza said. He added that the villagers hope the committee will se riously examine their grievances. “Bondvoll Lake needs not just a only a 50-metre buffer zone, but a much wider area. We demand that the zone of influence be increased,” he said. Warning of possible agitation, D’Souza said that if their demands are not addressed, villagers would be forced to intensify their protest. “If this is not done, we will be forced to take to the streets. We will strongly object to an yone obtaining construction licences to build within the zone of influence,” he said.
