Century-Old Bondvol Lake Faces Ecological Crisis from Nearby Construction Activities
Construction activity near the historic Bondvol lake in Santa Cruz, Goa, has sparked significant local discontent and raised serious ecological concerns about this century-old water body that sustains village agriculture and vital ecosystems. Residents are particularly alarmed by what they describe as faulty zoning of the lake's buffer area, which they believe threatens the wetland's delicate environmental balance.
Villagers Issue Deadline for Wetland Boundary Review
At a recent community meeting, Santa Cruz residents discussed mounting concerns over the lake's ecological safety and gave government authorities a one-week deadline to address their grievances. The villagers specifically demanded a comprehensive review of what they claim are errors in the wetland's boundary delineation, buffer zone specifications, and zone of influence as notified by the Goa State Wetland Authority (GSWA).
The GSWA officially declared Bondvol lake a protected wetland in October 2022, establishing a 50-meter buffer zone around the water body, which encompasses an extensive 874-hectare catchment area. This Portuguese-era earthen dam measures approximately 200 meters in length and stands 18 meters high, representing significant historical and environmental value to the region.
Discrepancy Between Official and Community Protection Standards
Local residents point out that a Bombay High Court-constituted task force had previously identified a 200-meter protected status quo zone around the lake, creating a substantial discrepancy between community expectations and official notifications. While GSWA maintains that the zone of influence was established according to the Wetland Rules of 2017, villagers advocate for a more nuanced, case-by-case approach to protection measures.
"The zone of influence declared by GSWA is not properly defined, and merely marking water drains will not adequately protect the lake's ecology," emphasized Arturo D'Souza of the Bondvol survival group. D'Souza had previously filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking conservation of the lake, which prompted the High Court to direct GSWA to examine representations for necessary corrections.
Multiple Environmental Violations Compound Concerns
The controversy has been further complicated by several additional environmental violations. Villagers have protested against tree cutting within the designated buffer zone, an action that prompted GSWA to file a formal police complaint. Additionally, locals express frustration over the grant of 120 floor area ratio (FAR) permissions during the PIL's pendency, which they view as premature and potentially damaging to wetland conservation efforts.
"The land use of notified wetlands requires a uniform state mechanism for lake management," stated environmental architect Elsa Fernandes, highlighting the need for standardized protection protocols across Goa's wetland ecosystems.
Government Response and Future Protection Measures
In response to growing concerns, TCP minister Vishwajeet Rane has assured that no development would be permitted within a 150-meter radius of Bondvol lake. "If any FSI (Floor Space Index) is allotted, they will be cancelled," Rane declared, signaling a potential shift toward stricter enforcement of wetland protection measures.
The ongoing dispute highlights the complex balance between development pressures and environmental conservation in rapidly urbanizing regions. As Santa Cruz villagers await government action on their demands, the fate of Bondvol lake remains uncertain, with its century-old agricultural and ecological functions hanging in the balance between regulatory frameworks and community-led conservation efforts.
