Goa Wetland Authority to monitor wetlands via drones

Goa is home to a total of seven notified wetlands under the Union government’s Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. In an attempt to preserve these notified wetlands, Goa Wetland Authority will monitor encroachments and other exploitative activities in the wetlands with the help of drones.

Goa's first six official wetlands were notified in October 2021- Xeldem lake and Nanda lake in Quepem, Toyyar lake in Chimbel, Dashi lake in Revora, Sarzora lake in Chinchinim, and Cottambi lake. The seventh wetland was notified on December 2021, at Saulem, Pilerne, in Bardez taluka.

Historically, most wetlands of Goa were created as agricultural tanks used to store rainwater for irrigation purposes post-monsoon months. They are mostly temporary wetlands which support extant flora and fauna, including migratory birds.

As per reports, the wetland's area of influence will also be monitored using drones. These drone drives will be conducted every six months. Additionally, encroachment or construction of a permanent nature, except for boat jetties will be prohibited, and setting up of industries, expansion of existing industries and dumping of waste is also prohibited.

However, traditional activities such as fishing in the wetlands will continue. Water from these wetlands will be pumped for local use and planting of indigenous trees that are suitable for the ecosystem.

Wetlands include marshes, rivers and lakes, floodplains, coral reefs, mangroves and other marine areas no deeper than 6 metres at low tide, as well as human-made wetlands such as waste-water treatment ponds and reservoirs. Over 40% of plant and animal species living in the wetlands are under threat due to degradation and exploitative activities.