Times of India | 1 week ago | 13-05-2022 | 01:09 am
Panaji: Minister for water resources, Subhash Shirodkar, on Thursday, carried out an inspection of the Carambolim lake and said that beautification plans for the lake are ready. He said that the proposal is only awaiting clearance from the state environment ministry. The minister said that desiltation of the lake will begin soon. The waterbody will also get protection under the wetland act, said the minister. He said encroachment is a major issue being faced in the protection of the Carambolim lake. “At the first instance, there is an urgent need to look into the issue of siltation of the lake. We need to remove green wild growth from the lake and the upper side of the lake should be protected from encroachment. There is a need for conservation of lakes in the state. Encroachment and pollution in any waterbody and lake should not be allowed,” Shirodkar said. The Carambolim lake attracts a number of migratory birds in the winter and for years has been a magnet for birdwatchers. During the ‘All Goa Waterbird Count 2018, the Carambolim lake was seen to be home to the maximum number of threatened bird species as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list. Shirodkar directed WRD officials to accord priority to the cleanliness and maintenance of the lake. “Carambolim lake is not only beautiful, it is also the biggest lake in the state. There are so many opportunities to develop it. Lot of birds come to this lake and we can call this a small bird sanctuary. We should protect this lake because it has both historical and ecological importance,” Shirodkar said. As he visited Carambolim lake and later the Panchmanas area, Shirodkar was accompanied by Cumbharjua MLA Rajesh Phaldessai and WRD chief engineer Pramod Badami. “The forest department has control over this lake and the WRD has taken the initiative to develop it. the department has already prepared the estimate for developing the lake and we are awaiting environment clearance,” Shirodkar said. Phaldessai said that development and beautification work of the lake should be expedited so it can also generate some employment for the locals.
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