NT Reporter
Panaji
Villagers of Santa Cruz have threatened to start a chain hunger strike in front of the Panaji church if the state government fails to notify the zone of influence of Bondvoll Lake, a notified wetland. The villagers have given the government a one-week ultimatum, citing prolonged inaction despite repeated assurances.
Panch member Inacio Pereira said a meeting was held on January 26 during which the Chief Minister assured immediate action, but no steps have been taken so far. He questioned the government’s commitment to environmental protection, asking where the promise of a “Viksit Bharat” stands when basic safeguards are ignored.
Pereira said the Goa State Wetlands Authority has issued a notification providing only a 50-metre buffer zone around Bondvoll Lake, despite High Court directions that mandate a 200-metre buffer. Environmental activist
Arturo D’Souza said villagers have submitted several representations to the Wetlands Authority pointing out that the buffer zone has been marked only on paper using survey numbers, with no clear demarcation on the ground. He said no hydraulic study has been conducted in the area, even though efforts to protect the lake have been ongoing for more than a decade.
D’Souza said pollution of water bodies is on the rise and groundwater is also being affected. He further alleged that the Town and Country Planning department issues licences without a proper
mechanism to monitor sewage treatment plants, many of which are malfunctioning and allowing polluted water to seep into the ground.
He said Bondvoll Lake has not dried up and continues to recharge several wells in surrounding areas, including Taleigao. D’Souza said if the Wetlands Authority is unable to act, the government should appoint agencies such as the National Institute of Oceanography to conduct a proper hydraulic study before allowing any construction.
