Team Herald
PANJIM: 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 are officially notified as wetlands under the Wetlands (conservation and management) Rules 2017 of the Central government.
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.
Sarzora lake covers largest area of over 1.25 lakh sq meter, followed by Nanda lake, which is 1.04 lakh sq meter.
Further, the Toyyar lake covers a total area of 51,000 sq meter, Cottomi lake is around 12,400 sq meter, Dashi has an area of 6,089 sq mtrs and Xeldem lake comprises an area of 735 sq meter.
“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 issued with respect to each of the six water bodies 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 modernization 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.
Bondvol lake in St Cruz was the first to be notified as wetland in November, last year.
