Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: A comprehensive, long-term restoration plan is being prepared to address pollution in Mala Lake and surrounding water bodies, CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate said following a high-level review meeting with key departments.
The meeting was attended by officials from the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), the Water Resources Department of Goa, the Goa State Smart City Development Agency, and the Goa State Pollution Control Board.
Monserrate said the issue cannot be resolved through short-term measures such as aerators alone, pointing out that untreated sewage inflow remains the primary concern. He stressed that unless sewage discharge is fully controlled, restoration efforts will not yield lasting results.
Highlighting the need for coordinated action, he said multiple departments, along with public participation, must work together, noting that several areas still lack proper sewage connectivity, resulting in direct discharge into the lake.
The Mayor informed that a consultancy-based study is being planned to prepare a detailed project report (DPR), covering sewage management, drainage upgrades, and ecological restoration of the lake system. The proposal will also focus on restoring natural tidal flow and improving overall water quality.
He added that public consultation will form a key part of the process, allowing citizens to review and provide feedback before the final plan is implemented.
Officials said the broader objective is to restore Mala Lake to its earlier state, supporting fishing activity and local biodiversity, with the project to be executed in phases over the coming years, focusing on sustainable urban water management and long-term environmental protection.
