Santa Cruz Villagers Unite to Protect Bondvoll Wetland, Await Government Action
In a significant display of community resolve, approximately 700 residents of Santa Cruz, Goa, assembled for a gram sabha on Sunday. The primary agenda was to demand the proper demarcation of the zone of influence surrounding Bondvoll lake before any construction activities are permitted near this critical wetland area.
Decades-Long Protest Reignited by Recent Developments
The villagers have been steadfastly opposing development around the Bondvoll wetland for several decades. However, their concerns were recently reignited when a private party was observed conducting surveys for a project near the lake. This prompted urgent community action to safeguard the ecological integrity of the region.
Former panch Dominic Pereira confirmed that Sunday's gram sabha was specifically convened to address the Bondvoll issue. Unfortunately, the meeting was abruptly cut short due to the tragic death of a senior citizen who suffered a heart attack during the discussions.
Government Promises and Community Demands
Villagers reported that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has assured them that the matter of resurveying the area around Bondvoll lake will be taken up at the upcoming meeting of the Goa State Wetland Authority (GSWA), scheduled for February 11 and chaired by the CM himself.
Despite this promise, the community remains vigilant. They have issued a stern warning that if any construction permissions are granted before the zone of influence is clearly demarcated, they will organize a major agitation. The villagers allege that the GSWA has notified an excessively narrow buffer zone around the lake, which they fear could lead to ecological destruction if unchecked construction proceeds.
Historical Context and Legal Challenges
During the meeting, villagers recounted their previous efforts to protect the wetland. They explained that officials had advised them to submit written objections during the wetland notification process. At that time, a related case was pending in the high court, where they had sought a 200-meter buffer zone. The villagers waited for the court's verdict, but unfortunately, the matter was later dismissed.
Nevertheless, their determination remains unshaken. A villager emphasized, "We are firm that the zone of influence should be increased. We will strongly object to any construction in the zone of influence."
Unanimous Decision and Future Plans
Pereira stated that the villagers are unanimous in their decision to await the outcome of the February 11 GSWA meeting. However, they have also resolved to take to the streets in protest if the following conditions are not met:
- Conduct a comprehensive resurvey of the Bondvoll lake area.
- Clearly demarcate and notify a wider buffer zone.
- Establish a clearcut zone of influence to prevent ecological damage.
This collective action underscores the community's deep commitment to environmental preservation and their readiness to escalate their protest if their demands are not addressed by the authorities.
