Panaji: The captain of ports (CoP) has initiated plans to desilt a 2.1-km stretch of a tributary of Mapusa River, from its confluence with the river to Teen Manos in Ucassaim, to address heavy siltation and the flooding of agricultural fields in Moira and Ucassaim.As part of the process, CoP will hire an agency to conduct a rapid environmental impact assessment (REIA) for the proposed project.Silt accumulation has made navigation difficult for local fishermen, particularly during low tide. During the monsoon, the reduced channel depth causes rainwater to flood low-lying areas and agricultural fields.The project aims to address these navigation and flooding issues affecting residents and fishing communities in Moira and Ucassaim. It also proposes widening the channel to 15m and deepening it by 2m.The water resources department (WRD) had earlier withdrawn a Rs 72.7 crore technical sanction for the Tar-Moira river desilting project after activists raised concerns over cost escalation and the potential impact on mangroves.As part of the EIA study, which has to be completed within a strict 90-day period from the award of the contract, a private agency has been asked to analyse the physico-chemical characteristics of water and sediment within a 10km radius, assess fish diversity, and map organisms such as phytoplankton, zooplankton, and benthos.Additionally, the study will involve physical and hydrodynamic modelling to evaluate sediment movement, transportation and dispersion, and impacts, alongside assessing risks to sensitive coastal ecosystems like mangroves, sea grasses, and coral reefs.The selected agency will prepare an environmental management plan, recommend mitigation measures, and assist govt in obtaining Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and environmental clearances.
