PONDA: Residents of Murdi-Khandepar and Sonarbaag-Usgao are celebrating after receiving news that the government has decided to abandon the barrage project proposed at Murdi. The decision came as a result of recent submissions made by the government advocate, which were reportedly communicated to the locals, although an official copy of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order is yet to be received.
The proposed Rs 100 crore project, which included a 30 MLD barrage and pumping station at Murdi-Sonarbaag, was initially met with strong opposition from the locals and the Khandepar and Usgao panchayats. The residents were concerned that the project, which also included a 12 MLD water treatment plant at Savoiverem for Priol Constituency, would exacerbate flooding in an area already prone to seasonal inundation.
On October 27, 2023, eleven locals, including five from Murdi and six from Usgao, filed a petition with the NGT against the Goa Government, the Water Resources Department (WRD), the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), and the Tribal Welfare Department. The petitioners argued that the proposed barrage would obstruct the natural flow of the river during floods, leading to increased flooding in the region, which had previously experienced severe flooding in 1982 and 2021.
The locals contended that despite the government’s claims of addressing water needs for Priol Constituency, there was already a 15 MLD water supply in place and only a shortfall of 1 MLD. They questioned the necessity of an additional 12 MLD treatment plant at the expense of their livelihoods, which would be affected by the project’s impacts on fishing, agriculture, and local biodiversity.
The project faced significant resistance, including public protests and the imposition of Section 144 during an August 17, 2023, demonstration. Residents also highlighted concerns about CRZ violations and the lack of proper environmental and social impact studies.
Panchayat member Abhijeet Gaude expressed relief and gratitude, stating that the news of the project’s abandonment was a major victory for the locals. He, along with other supporters, thanked social activist Abhijeet Prabudesai and others who advocated for their cause.
Abhijeet Prabhudessai confirmed that following the WRD’s response in the NGT court, which indicated that the project had been abandoned and that directions were issued to stop work, the court observed that the case was nearing resolution. Prabhudessai emphasised that the challenge addressed several issues, including the clearance provided by GCZMA, the impact on flood-prone areas, and the lack of comprehensive impact studies on human populations, the environment, and biodiversity.
