49 wetlands in the State will be notified: Cabral

Goemkarponn desk
CURCHOREM: An awareness programme on Notification and the future scope of wetlands in the State of Goa was held at Ravindra Bhavan, Curchorem. Power, Environment and Law Minister inaugurated the programme, which was organized by Goa State Wetland Authority in association with Goa State Biodiversity Board.
Speaking on occasion, Cabral said, it is the responsibility of every individual to preserve the water bodies on the earth for the future generation. Water conservation is the need of the hour, he said. Waterlands should be preserved keeping in mind the need for the future generation. Goa is a happy state, and there is not much water scarcity, but we should plan for the future by preserving biodiversity.
“For a better future, if we don’t come forward to preserve nature, then who will?” he questioned and appealed to act responsibly.
He said the National Institute of Oceanography has prepared a detailed report about Goa’s wetlands and will be made available on the wetland authority website soon.
“We should not lose what is given to us by mother earth. Altogether, 49 wetlands in the State will be notified,” Cabral said.
Wetland board at Nanda Lake, Kakoda unveiled on occasion. Curti Khandepar, Chodan Marcel and Korgao biodiversity management committees and Anjuna Organic Farmers Society were felicitated on occasion to restore water bodies. 8 Wetland Mitras were also recognized on occasion.
Dr Mandar Nanajkar, Scientist, CSIR – NIO did a presentation on the Identification of Wetlands in the State of Goa and Scientific Officer, GSWA made a presentation on Notification of Wetlands and Future scope in the State of Goa.
Minal Dessai, assistant professor, Department of Zoology, Goa University, was the keynote speaker. Dr Pradip Sarmokadam, Member Secretary, Goa State Biodiversity Board, welcomed while Shri Vishwas Dessai proposed a vote of thanks.
In North Goa, Dashi Lake, Revora in Bardez Taluka and Toyyar lake, Chimbel in Tiswadi Taluka and in South Goa Sarzora lake, Sarzora in Salcete taluka; Nanda lake, Cacora in Quepem taluka; Cottambi lake, Cottambi in Quepem taluka and Xeldem lake, Xeldem in Quepem taluka became the first six notified wetlands in the State of Goa.
These six notified wetlands are a significant step to conserve, manage, and maintain the wetlands’ ecological character without curtailing and restricting the legitimate and wise use of these ecosystems. Nanda lake is in the process of being considered as a wetland of international importance under Ramsar conservation. It also became the first lake to be notified in the State of Goa, informed Dr Pradip Sarmokadam.
Chairperson, Curchorem Cacora Municipal Council, Vishwas Dessai; Zilla Panchayat Member, Siddharth Gauns Dessai; Sarpanch, Caitano Lima; Vice Chairperson, Miss Rucha Vast; councillors and panchas were present on occasion.
Miss Shruti Salgaonkar compered the programme.