(a) whether the Government plans to develop inland waterways in Goa by dredging six of its rivers and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government has made any assessment on the impact of dredging on the marine ecology of those rivers and if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by Government to protect the marine ecology of Goa including mangroves, creeks, swamps, coral reefs etc?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)
(a)Yes sir. As per information furnished by the Ministry of Shipping,six rivers, listed below,are proposed for development of waterways through various measures including dredging based on Feasibility/Detailed Project Report (DPR):
(i) Mandovi River
(ii) Zuari River
(iii) Chapora River
(iv) Cumberjua Canal
(v) Mapusa River
(vi) Sal River
Ministry of Shipping has further informed that DPRsfortwo rivers namelyMandovi and Zuarihave been preparedandfor the remaining 4 rivers, DPRs have not yet been finalized.
(b) & (c)Inland Waterways Authority of Indiahave appointedM/sWAPCOS as Consultant for undertaking the Environmental Impact Assessment Studyand Coastal Regulation Zone study.Application for Terms of Reference/Environmental Clearance has not been received in this Ministry. While granting Environmental Clearance, adequate environmental safeguards will be stipulated.
***