:Biodiversity Management Committee, Calangute (BMC) has called for urgent stopping of land filling, release of sewage water and destruction of mangroves and river biodiversity of Baga River.
In a letter to Goa Pollution Control Board and panchayat here, Acting chairman Premanad Diukar said that BMC expresses grave concern over the ongoing land filling, release of sewage water into the river and destruction of the mangrove and river biodiversity along the banks of Baga River.
“As a responsible citizen and for environmental preservation, I find it imperative to bring this issue to your immediate attention. Baga holds significant importance as a national small river, not only for its ecological value but also for its cultural and environmental significance,” he said.
Diukar says unauthorised construction activities on its banks have resulted in the indiscriminate dumping of waste, release of sewage water and land filling, leading to irreversible damage to its delicate ecosystem.
“The mangrove forests along the riverbanks serve as crucial habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna, playing a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region,” he says.
Moreover, he added, the river itself supports a rich biodiversity of aquatic life, including endangered species that depend on its waters for survival.
“We strongly urge you to take immediate action to halt all further land filling and illegal construction activities along the banks of Baga River. It is imperative that we prioritize the protection and conservation of this invaluable natural resource to ensure its sustainability for future generations. It is pertinent to note that your good authorities have conducted the inspection of Baga River in the year 2019,” he stated.
The report prepared by pollution control board was placed before the Gram Sabha held recently and resolved to call for joint site inspection of Baga River as we find that the Baga River is getting more polluted due to unauthorised activities along river bank, Diukar said.
Furthermore, he added, we urge you to enforce strict regulations and penalties for those responsible for the destruction of the river Biodiversity. It is essential that we hold accountable those who disregard environmental laws and prioritize short-term gains over the long-term health of our planet.
“We implore you to act swiftly and decisively to protect the integrity of Baga River and preserve its identity as a national small river. Our collective efforts are crucial in safeguarding the environment for the well-being of current and future generations,” Diukar pointed out. Hence, he said, we request all the competent Authorities to call for joint site inspection of the Baga River to ascertain the impact caused due to such illegal activities so that the relevant measures be taken to protect the Bag River and Village Ecosystem.
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