NT Reporter
Vasco
Chairman of the Sancoale Biodiversity Management Committee
(BMC), Navin Jha, has objected to the reported proposal to convert land surrounding Zuari Lake into
a settlement zone, allegedly linked to Zuari Industries Ltd/ Paradeep Phosphate Ltd.
In a letter to the chief engineer of the Water Resources Department, Jha raised concerns over the ecological, hydrological, and community-level consequences of such a move.
Zuari Lake was included in the Draft Notification issued by the Goa Wetland Authority on February 8, 2024, for consideration under the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, which protect ecologically sensitive water bodies and prohibit activities that alter their natural character.
Jha said allowing conversion near the lake would contradict the intent of these national safeguards.
He stated that Zuari Lake, a historical natural water body, could serve as a future drinking-water source for Sancoale and nearby areas if proper treatment facilities are established. Jha warned that converting orchard and natural cover could increase surface runoff, sewage discharge, pollution, and hydrological disturbances, causing irreversible ecological
harm.
The Sancoale BMC has urged authorities to suspend any conversion proposals until a scientific study, expert inspection, and community consultation are carried out.
Jha appealed for expedited notification of Zuari Lake as a wetland to preserve its ecological integrity and ensure long-term water security.
