Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Nov 1: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has approved the desilting and improvement of River Tar and the Tar–Moira waterways to enhance navigation, while directing authorities to ensure that mangroves and aquatic ecosystems remain undisturbed.

At its meeting on October 10, the GCZMA granted permission under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) to the Water Resources Department (WRD) for the improvement of waterways from Guirim to the NH bridge at Tar Junction, Mapusa. The project covers a total stretch of 4,415 metres.

“The Authority, after detailed discussion, decided to approve the proposal with a condition that the project proponent should take due care in execution and ensure that mangroves and aquatic ecosystems are not disturbed,” the Authority stated.

However, the GCZMA’s Expert Committee voiced concerns over potential harm to the dense mangrove belt surrounding the site. It recommended that the WRD conduct a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) focused on mangrove and riverine ecology before proceeding further.

The committee warned that clearing bushes or trees could destabilize riverbeds and disrupt aquatic habitats. “The mangrove vegetation should remain untouched. The mangrove ecosystem is a home to numerous aquatic organisms, and extreme precautions must be taken during excavation work,” the panel emphasized.

According to the WRD proposal, the project area falls within a 50-metre mangrove buffer zone and intertidal region, as per the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) 2011. While the first 1,200 metres of the waterway lie outside CRZ limits, the remaining portion falls under regulated zones.

The desilting project aims to improve navigation and water flow but will be closely monitored to prevent any ecological damage, especially to mangrove habitats that serve as vital breeding grounds for marine life.