Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Goa government informed the Legislative Assembly that steps are being taken to strengthen wetland conservation and explore the use of Artificial Intelligence for monitoring tree health in the state.
Replying to an unstarred question tabled by MLA Yuri Alemao, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the Environment & Climate Change portfolio, said that a pilot initiative under the scheme “Water Prosperity Through Labour Power” has been undertaken.
Under the pilot programme, the Goa State Wetland Authority (GSWA) supported local NGOs and community bodies in cleaning and restoring wetlands. The Moicawado lake restoration work was carried out by the Catch2O Foundation, while cleaning activities at Kurti–Khandepar lake were undertaken with the involvement of the Kurti Khandepar Biodiversity Management Committee.
The government further stated that a multi-departmental scheme for wetland management is currently being formulated and is expected to be budgeted in the upcoming financial year.
Regarding wetland conservation planning, the government said that the framework management plan for Nanda lake has already been approved by the authority, while the preparation of integrated management plans for other wetlands in the state is currently in progress.
On the proposed Tree Health Monitor programme, the Goa State Biodiversity Board has received proposals from two institutions for the project, which aims to monitor the health of trees using technology, including Artificial Intelligence. However, the final agency for the project has not yet been appointed.
The government also highlighted the ecological and social importance of wetlands, stating that they play a key role in protecting flora and fauna, maintaining ecological balance, recharging groundwater and preventing floods. Wetlands are often referred to as the “cradles of human civilization” and the “kidneys of the landscape” due to the vital ecosystem services they provide.
