GOA
NIO takes up assessment of 35 wetlands on priority
Out of 550 wetlands spread across the state, the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) has prioritised 35 water bodies for notification and initial reports have been prepared.
When the case came up for hearing before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in August this year, the Goa state wetland authority had requested the NGT for time for consultation with the concerned persons and stakeholders before notification of the wetlands, in order to determine ‘pre-exisiting rights’ over the land.
Wetlands are important ecosystems that sustain fish, aquatic flora and fauna, and recharge groundwater.
Being declared as wetlands entitles them to special protection against construction and dumping of waste in the area. Goa’s lush environs are home to around 213.8 sq km of known wetlands.
NIO said that the water bodies falling under CRZ rules and those existing in protected areas (wildlife sanctuarys and national parks) will be dealt with later, as stated in the wetland rules 2017.
INTERNATIONAL
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NATIONAL
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