CoP also directed to study effect on aquatic biota
PANAJI
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has sought comments from the Forest department over possible disturbance or impact to turtle nesting areas at Mandrem and Morjim due to proposed dredging of Chapora river.
The Authority had earlier directed the Captain of Ports department to undertake detailed study of possible impact of dredging on aquatic biota and adjacent coast or bank apart from assessing erosion or accretion phenomenon.
The CoP department has approached GCZMA for CRZ clearance to undertake maintenance dredging at the mouth of river Chapora.
During its recent meeting, the Authority decided to seek comments from the forest department, before granting permission to CoP, to understand whether there could be any disturbance to the turtle nesting sites of Mandrem and Morjim in the course of carrying out the dredging activities.
The GCZMA expert members conducted site inspection and observed that the site falls in CRZ IV area as per CRZ notification 2011 and the proposed estimated quantity to be dredged is 1,25,000 cubic metres and for area of 1000 metres in length, 50 metres in width and depth of 2.50 metres.
The coastal body, while deferring the decision on the application, also opined that the dredging depth be reassessed by limiting to the actual minimum requirement such that the dredging volume can be minimized.
The CoP had in 2011-12 undertaken maintenance dredging work of the river and the quantity of approximately 33,000 cubic metres was dredged and in 2018-19, 10,5000 cubic metres was dredged.
