State to prepare plan for revival of 39 ‘worst’ polluted lakes

Panaji: Officials from the state environment and water resources departments, members of panchayats, experts from IITs and NERI, and stakeholders will carry out deliberations on Friday to prepare a white paper on the state of 39 lakes in Goa classified as the most polluted by the Central Pollution Control Board. Environment department officials said that a plan for the lakes’ revival will be prepared, and locals will be involved in their rejuvenation and in plugging the source of their pollution.

A plan will also be drawn to ensure the utilisation of the lakes for recreational activities, generating employment for locals residing near them, and boosting interest in the lakes’ conservation, said Sharad Kale, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre retired scientist and principal advisor on the environment to CM Pramod Sawant.

“We need to revive these lakes, which have been taken over by invasive plants and contaminated through sewage. Any action by locals is not thought about. It is more out of ignorance. The lake is seen as an immediate outlet for waste. We want to first create awareness that we have ample water available and we want these lakes to be nurtured,” said Kale, stressing that the focus will be on the 39 lakes categorised as most polluted.

Every lake is not just a source of drinking water, but presents an opportunity for recreation and the generation of employment.

“We will deliberate at the conference on why pollution is happening and how you can reclaim the lake. It has all to be done with the involvement of locals living around them. We need to address the source of the pollution; otherwise, any efforts are a waste of money,” said Kale.

He said that despite Goa receiving ample rainfall and having several water bodies, water tankers are seen being hired even during the monsoon to supply drinking water to households.

“Earlier, even Carambolim lake was providing water for drinking. Experts from NERI and IITs will develop a methodology far and large and provide a white paper to the govt on what the situation is and what needs to be done. We will see how more college and school students can be involved, as we need to raise awareness starting from them,” said Kale.

He said that contamination by sewage blocks the source of the springs that pump fresh water into the lakes.

“We will also create local-level monitoring committees, as continuous monitoring is required even after the lakes are rejuvenated,” Kale said.

Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee’s Sanjay Jahagirdar said that lakes are more vulnerable than rivers as the water is not free-flowing.