Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Shri. Aleixo Sequeira appealed to citizens to take a proactive role in preserving wetlands, emphasizing the collective responsibility for environmental well-being. He was speaking as the chief guest at the State-level celebration of World Wetlands Day 2024 at Saulem Lake Pilerne organized by the Goa State Wetland Authority (GSWA)under the Department of Environment and Climate Change at Saulem lake Pilerne today.
Highlighting concerns over the jeopardy faced by water bodies, particularly evident by the complete drying of Bondvol Lake in St. Cruz, Shri. Sequeira underscored challenges like encroachments and garbage dumping. He stressed that the responsibility for preservation extends beyond the government to every individual. Shri Sequeira urged students to actively commit to water body preservation.
During the event, Shri. Kedar Naik, MLA of Saligao Constituency, emphasized the importance of preserving biodiversity for the continuation of our life cycle. He commended Pilerne Panchayat for its consistent efforts in safeguarding Saulem Lake. Stressing the need for timely restoration of the Saulem Lake, he suggested that proper conservation could transform this wetland into a significant eco-tourism spot on Goa’s map. Shri Naik urged the residents of Pilerne and the Pilerne Panchayat to play a crucial role in the preservation of this wetland. He also expressed gratitude to the Minister for Environment for notifying Saulem Lake as a wetland in the State of Goa.
In celebration of World Wetlands Day 2024 Dr Pradip Sarmokadam,Head of the Nodal Agency,GSWA informed around 70 students will participate in various competition such as Street play quiz competition at Auditorium Hall, Goa State Pollution Control Board There is also a poster-making competition focusing on persons with disabilities.
Dr. Sarmokadam urged everyone to become friends of wetlands, introducing the concept of becoming a “Wetland Mitra.” Interested individuals can register online or visit the Wetland Authority to contribute their services towards wetland preservation, he informed. Let’s collectively strive to protect our precious wetlands, he concluded.
The Theme for this year is Wetlands and Human Wellbeing. Brochure “Wetlands of Goa” were released on the occasion.
Also present on the occasion were Smt. Reshma Bandodkar Sarpanch, Village Panchayat, Pilerne – Marra , Shri. Sandeep K. Bandodkar Zilla panchayat Member, Reis-Magos Shri. Sayajirao Rane BMC Chairperson, Pilerne – Marra students and teacher along with other dignitaries.
Shri Amarnath Govenkar Deputy Sarpanch Pilerne Marra Panchayat welcome the gathering while Shri Johnson B. Fernandes, Director, Environment & Climate Change Member Secretary, GSWA proposed the vote of thanks.
