NT Reporter
Panaji
A joint site survey of land earmarked for the proposed Unity Mall at Chimbel began on Saturday and is expected to take three to four days to complete, officials said.
The inspection is being conducted in Survey No 40/1 to study the zone of influence and drainage lines of Toyyar lake.
The exercise aims to understand how the proposed project area is connected with nearby water bodies, canals and surrounding land.
Activist Ajay Kholkar said the boundaries of Toyyar lake and the highest water level mark were measured by the authorities, while other nearby survey numbers were also checked.
“A major canal has been marked and that there is waterflow in the area. Water from this canal flows towards the Zuari river, while another channel reaches the Mandovi river. The
water passes by the lake, connects with underground and surface channels, and links the surrounding hills and valleys with Toyyar lake,” he said, adding that the area is an eco-sensitive and that even a small change here could lead to major problems like landslides.
Officials from the National Institute of Oceanography and other departments are also part of the survey.
He further said the inspection is focused on protecting the Satan Valley wetland and not just the Unity Mall site.
According to Kholkar, the lake is connected to many villages, and its zone of influence overlaps drainage areas, catchment areas and multiple watershed regions. “The Satan Valley is also a major source of water for this system.If there is any disturbance, there will be serious problems in the future,” he said.
Officials from the National Institute of Oceanography and other departments are also part of the survey. The data collected during the inspection will be compiled and any required rectification will also be carried out, he said.
