Team Goemkarponn
CORTALIM: Cortalim MLA Anton Vas strongly objected to the proposed land conversion in the vicinity of the Zuari Lake, urging the government to protect the water body under the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
Vas raised the issue while speaking to reporters after launching the hot-mixing works of internal roads at Velsao in the presence of ZP Merciana Vas, social worker Roquezinho D’Souza and several residents.
The MLA said the Zuari Lake is an old, natural water body of immense ecological and future utility value that must be safeguarded from urban encroachment. “I had personally visited the Zuarinagar lake site after many years. As a child, I would visit the place with my uncle who had cattle. It is heartbreaking to see plans to convert the surrounding area into a settlement zone. This lake, preserved by our forefathers, must be protected for future generations,” Vas said.
He added that he has formally written to departments including the TCP, WRD, PDA and the local panchayat to register his objection. “We are lucky to have such a natural water body that can serve as a future drinking-water source for Mormugao taluka, including Sancoale. Any conversion around it will destroy the hydrological balance, increase sewage runoff, and cause irreversible ecological damage,” he said.
Vas said the government should immediately declare Zuari Lake as a protected wetland zone. “I appeal to the Sancoale Panchayat to unanimously oppose any settlement proposal near this lake. Grassroot-level objection will strengthen our case before the government,” he added.
Speaking on infrastructure works, Vas said all internal roads across the Cortalim constituency are being taken up for hot-mixing. “The Velsao road project worth ₹3.5 crore will begin within three days. Similar works in Quelossim, Cortalim and Sancoale have already been tendered,” he said.
