ANNUAL REPORT
Goa State Biodiversity BoardAnnual Report 2012-13 and 2013-14
August 2015
Published by: Goa State Biodiversity Board, O/o Dept. Science Technology and Environment, Opp. Saligao Seminary Saligao, Bardez-Goa
Chairperson: Smt. AlinaSaldanha
Member Secretary:Dr.NitinSawant
Edited by:Dr.NitinSawant
Compiled By:Ms.Trupti Jadhav, Scientific Officer Ms.Reshma Kerkar, Programme Officer Mr.Arvind Naik, Computer Assistant, UNEP-GEF-MoEF-ABS project
ANNUAL REPORT
2012-13 & 2013-14
Goa State Biodiversity Board O/o Dept. Science Technology and Environment, Opp. Saligao Seminary, Saligao, Bardez-Goa Phone: 0832-2407032 Fax: 0832-2407033 Email: goanbiodiversity @gmail.com
Content
Preface/ Message from the Chairperson
Foreword/ Message from the Member Secretary
About Goa State Biodiversity Board
Members
Infrastructure and staff
Board meetings
Biodiversity Management Committees
Projects
International Day for Biological Diversity
Awareness programmes
Audited statement of accounts
Balance sheet
Annexure I - Notification of Threatened Species in Goa ( )
Annexure II - Reconstitution of the Board (2012)
Preface/Message from the Chairperson
Foreword/ Message from the Member Secretary
About Goa
The geographical area of the State of Goa is 3,702 sq. Km. Goa has the credit of being internationally recognized as a part of one of the ten biodiversity hotspot (Western Ghats) areas of the world. Although State of Goa is the smallest state in the country, it shows an astonishing diversity of endemic species, habitats and ecosystems.
The State is blessed with abundant rainfall from the South-West monsoonal winds, a high potential for assured water supply, but a high percentage of water gets drained and joins the Arabian Sea, due to the physiographical set up of the State. The surface drainage is facilitated by many streams, nullahs, rivulets and rivers which run across the State. The Mandovi and Zuari are two main rivers of Goa.
Goa has few Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Park, including the renowned Dr.Salim Ali bird sanctuary located on the island of Chorao. Other wildlife sanctuaries include the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan MahaveerWildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Madei Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and Bhagwan Mahaveer National Park.
The State animal, bird and tree of Goa are Gaur(Indian Bison, scientific name- Bosgaurus), yellow crested bulbul (scientific name- Pycnonotusmelanicterus)and matti (asan, scientific name- Termanaliaelliptica) respectively.
About Goa State Biodiversity Board
Constitution of Goa State Biodiversity Board
As per the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act 2002, The Government of Goa constituted the Goa State Biodiversity Board in the year 2004 vide Notification No. 7/17/92/STE/PART/858 dated: 02/12/2004, Gazette No. Series II No. 37 dated: 13/12/2004 Extraordinary No. 3.
The Board was re-constituted vide Notification No. 07/17/92/STE/PART/625 dated: 29/08/2012, Gazette No. Series II No. 22 dated: 06/09/2012.
The office of the Goa State Biodiversity Board is situated in the premises of Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Opposite Saligao Seminary, Saligao, Bardez- Goa.
Functions of the Board
The GSBB is an Autonomous statutory body established for:
(i) Implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Rules, 2004
(ii) Management of the environment and associated activities
(iii) Provision of scientific advice on environmental matters which includes environmental assessment and monitoring, biodiversity conservation and providing a supporting environmental framework for sustainable development.
The functions of the GSBB are to advise the State Government, on matters relating to the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of biological resources, regulate by granting of approvals or otherwise, requests for commercial utilization or bio-survey and bio-utilization of any biological by Indians, perform such other functions, as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 or as may be prescribed by the State Government.
Members
Chairperson (Appointed by the Government)
SmtAlinaSaldanha,Hon’ble Minister for Environment
Ex-Officio Members
1. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Goa Forest Department, Panaji
2. Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department, Panaji
3. Director, Directorate of Agriculture, Panaji
4. Director, Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Saligao
5. Member Secretary, Goa State Pollution Control Board, Panaji
Non-Official Members
1. Dr. Joe D’Souza, Panaji- Goa
2. ShriCelso Dias, Headmaster, Our Lady of Socorro High School, Nagoa
3. Shri Mahesh Kanolkar, Panaji- Goa
4. Dr.Bhiva Malik, Porvorim- Goa
5. Dr.NitinSawant, Porvorim- Goa (Member Secreatry)
Infrastructure and staff
Staff members engaged during the year 2012-13
1. Dr.NitinSawant, Member Secretary
2. Mr.SahilWarang, Project Assistant II
3. Ms.YeshashriKavthankar, Jr. Stenographer
4. Ms.PallaviKerkar, Accounts Clerk
5. Shri Anthony Fernandes, Lower Division Clerk
6. ShriVishveshNaik, Peon
Staff members engaged during the year 2013-14
1. Dr.NitinSawant, Member Secretary
2. Ms.TruptiJadhav, Scientific Officer
3. Ms.ReshmaKerkar, Programme Officer
4. Dr.VarshaRaikarHoble, Project Assistant I
5. Ms.RajshriNagvekar, Project Assistant II
6. Ms.YeshashriKavthankar, Jr. Stenographer
7. Ms.PallaviKerkar, Accounts Clerk
8. Shri Anthony Fernandes, LDC
9. ShriRupesh Desai, Driver
10. ShriVishveshNaik, Peon
Board Meetings
During the reporting period the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) conducted 7 Board meetings and 3 special Board meetings in the financial year 2012-13 and 2013-14.
Date of Meeting Board Meeting Number Number of Members Attended
25th October, 2012 14th 10
26th November, 2012 15th 9
25th January, 2013 16th 8
14th June, 2013 17th 8
21st August, 2013 1st special meeting 9
20th September, 2013 18th 9
08th October, 2013 2nd special meeting 8
13th December, 2013 19th 7
27th December, 2013 3rd special meeting 8
21st February, 2014 20th 7
Biodiversity Management Committees
Under Section 41 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Rule 22 of the Biological Diversity Rules, 2004 every local body shall constitute a Biodiversity Management Committee within its area of jurisdiction. Accordingly, Biodiversity Management Committees are to be constitutedin the Gram Sabhaat Gram Panchayat level as well as at Municipality and Municipal Corporation level.
The key mandate of the Biodiversity Management Committees is to ensure conservation, sustainable utilization and equitable sharing of benefits from the biodiversity. The Biodiversity Management Committees shall facilitate preparation of People’s Biodiversity Registers. The Register shall contain comprehensive information on availability and knowledge of local biological resources, their medicinal or any other use or any other traditional knowledge associated with them. The Biodiversity Management Committees and local bodies will be responsible for ensuring the protection of the knowledge recorded in the People’s Biodiversity Registers, especially to regulate its access to outside agencies and individuals.
The other functions of the Biodiversity Management Committees are to advice on any matter refereed to it by the State Biodiversity Board or Authority for granting approval, to maintain data about the local vaids and practitioners using the biological resources.
The Biodiversity Management Committee at Gram Panchayat/ Municipality/ Municipal Corporation level may decide the terms on which it would permit access to biodiversity resources and associated knowledge to different parties for various purposes within their jurisdiction and levy charges by way of collection fees from any person for accessing or collection any biological resource for commercial purpose from the area falling within its jurisdiction.
GSBB’s initiatives for the formation of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC’s)
As a mandate under Section 41 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, GSBB was in the initial process of identification of Village Panchayats for the formation of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) to work closely with community to utilize biological resources in a more sustainable way in the State of Goa (from July 2013 to March 2014). The GSBB initiated the process for constitution of BMCs in62 Village Panchayats and 1 City Corporation.
After the identification of Village Panchayats for the formation of BMCs, orientation programmes for the members of Village Panchayats and Secretaries of the Panchayats of North Goa were held on 24th October 2013 and 8th November 2013 (6 nos) and south Goa on 23rd October 2013 and 24th January 2014 (6 nos) respectively.
Besides this the awareness programme for the BMC formation was also conducted for the locals in the Village Panchayat halls of Hassapur (Pernem), Nagargao (Sattari), Carambolim (Tiswadi) and VeremVaghurme (Ponda) on 24th November 2013, on 25th November, 27th November 2013 and 1st December 2013 respectively.
The orientation programme for 50 village Panchayats was organized on 21st March 2014 in the auditorium of Goa Science Centre, Miramar.
Biodiversity Management Committees constituted during the year 2013-14
NORTH GOA DISTRICT Sr. No. Name of The Village Resolution Resolution Date Panchayat No. TALUKA: PERNEM
1. Morjim No. 05 29/03/2014
2. Chandel-Hassapur No. 08 19/01/2014
TALUKA:TISWADI
3. Carambolim No. 03(12) 27/02/2014
TALUKA: BICHOLIM
4. Cudnem No.02(15) 14/02/2014
5. Naroa No. 03 29/03/2014
6. Mencurem-Dhumacem No. 5(2) 27/03/2014
SOUTH GOA DISTRICT TALUKA: SALCETE
7. Raia No. 2(1) 26/01/2014
TALUKA: MORMUGAO
8. Sancoale No. 7(3) 18/03/2014
TALUKA: SANGUEM
9. Bhati No. 3(2) 18/02/2014
10. Rivona No.5/6 11/03/2014
TALUKA: QUEPEM
11. Barcem-Quedem No. 04 09/02/2014
Projects and funding
1) Setting up a mini ‘Butterfly conservatory’ in the premises of Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Saligao.
The Goa State Biodiversity Board has established a Amount sanctioned: Rs. 3,60,012/- Funded by: Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Saligao.
2) Title: Development of ‘Herbal garden’ in the premises of Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Saligao. Amount sanctioned: Rs. 5,10,262/- Funded by: Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Saligao
3) Title: Inventory of “Natural habitats and Biological Diversity of Panaji City”. Amount sanctioned: Rs.1,00,000/- Funded by: Corporation of the City of Panaji, Panaji
International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD- 2013) celebration
The Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) with the support of National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD- 2013) on 22nd May 2013 at the office of GSBB, Saligao- Bardez, Goa. The theme of IBD-2013 was “Water and Biodiversity”.
GSBB conducted various activities for school children laying emphasis on biodiversity awareness. Activities such as cleaning, desilting and restoring of water bodies were also carried out. These water bodies were identified based on prior surveys of these water bodies for richness of Biological diversity and community dependency. Workshops on biodiversity awareness for locals were also conducted.
Banners giving the message of “Water and Biodiversity conservation” were erected at different places in Goa for the awareness amongst the general public.
Poster & painting competition, photography competition, quiz competition and snake awareness programme including live demonstration of snakes was conducted for school students in order to help school students to enhance their knowledge of the local biodiversity and motivate them to conserve the same.
a) Desilting and cleaning of springs
As a part of IBD- 2013 celebration, activities such as cleaning and desilting of water bodies was carried out. The preliminary survey revealed that these were highly polluted and silted and needed urgent attention. With the prior permission of the concerned authorities, cleaning and de-siltation process was carried out atCuchelim (Bardez), Navelim (Bicholim), Dhave (Sattari) and Shel (Sattari).
Spring at Cuchelim- Bardez Goa Before
Cleaning
Photo 14: Spring at Navelim, Bicholim- Goa after cleaning
Photo 15: Spring at Dhave, Sattari- Goabefore cleaning
Photo 16: Spring at Dhave, Sattari- Goaduring cleaning
Photo 17: Spring at Dhave, Sattari- Goa after cleaning
Photo 18: Spring at Shel, Sattari- Goa before cleaning
Photo 19: Spring at Shel, Sattari- Goa during cleaning
Photo 20: Spring at Shel, Sattari- Goa after cleaning
b) Poster and painting competition
Competition was conducted for the school children of age between 11- 15 years. The theme was “Water and Biodiversity”. A total of 14 students took part.
Students engrossed in drawing during Poster and Painting Competition held on occasionof International Day for Biological Diversity 2013 c) Photography competition This competition was conducted for the undergraduate and graduate level students of age between 16- 20 years. The theme was “Water and Biodiversity”. d) Quiz competition
This competition was conducted for the school children of IX standard. The theme was “Wildlife biodiversity and Marine biodiversity”.
Quiz competition for students held on occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity 2013
e) Snake awareness programme with live demonstration
Snake awareness and live demonstration was organized for children and general public. Presentation on snakes of Goa was made by ShriSahilWarang (Project Assistant II)
ShriSahilWarang conducting lecture during the snake awareness programme
f) Workshop on Biodiversity awareness
Workshop to create awareness on biodiversity conservation was conducted by Goa State Biodiversity Board for the local community. One day workshop on awareness and importance of biodiversity was organized by GSBB on 24/05/2013 at 7pm in the temple hall of ShriShantadurgaSateri Temple, Dhavewith the help of Dhave Village Panchayat. The programme was inaugurated by GSBB Member Secretary Dr.NitinSawant and Sarpanch of Dhave Village PanchayatShri Joshi.
Dr.NitinSawant delivered a lecture on “Water & Biodiversity” and highlighted the importance of conserving water and biodiversity in general.
Around 150 enthusiastic villagers including young students were benefitted by the biodiversity awareness workshop.
The support from the locals to GSBB in our efforts to spread awareness about biodiversity was encouraging. Locals showed a positive response and took a resolution that they would keep the water bodies clean by themselves in future.
Presentation by Dr.NitinSawant, Member Secretary (GSBB) on Water and Biodiversity atDhave Workshop
g) Valedictory Function
Goa State Biodiversity Board celebrated the valedictory function of International Day for Biological Diversity 2013 on the occasion of World Environment Day on 5th June 2013 at Goa State Biodiversity Board, Saligao.
The Chief Guest for the valedictory function was Smt. AlinaSaldanha, Minister for Forests & Environment and Chairperson, Goa State Biodiversity Board and Guest of Honour was Shri Richard De Souza, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
Tree plantation programme was held in the herbal garden at office premises in Saligao. Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Member Secretary (GSBB), other officials and participants took part in the tree plantation programme.
Dr.NitinSawant, Member Secretary welcomed and introduced our guests to the audience. A brief report on the activities conducted during International Day for Biological Diversity 2013 was presented by Dr.NitinSawant. Dr.Sawant in his talk showed concern required to conserve biodiversity.
Hon. Chief Guest Smt. AlinaSaldanha spoke on the burning social issues such as starvation, malnutrition, poverty. Further she added that even though this is happening all over the world food wastage occurs at a very alarming rate. She urged that we have to conserve our biodiversity and as far as possible we have to use it sustainably.
The prizes were distributed to the winners of the poster & painting, photography and quiz competition at the hands of Chief Guest and Guest of Honour.
On this occasion three posters and a pamphlet published by Goa State Biodiversity Board with the message of water and biodiversity conservation were released at the hands of Chief Guest and Guest of Honour. The special report published by National Biodiversity Board, Chennai India with the title “Watering Biodiversity, Ecosystem management” was also released and distributed on this occasion.
Hon. Minister for Forest and Environment Smt. AlinaSaldanha and other dignitaries planting the saplings in the herbal garden in the office campus
Dignitaries present on the dais on the occasion of the valedictory function of International Day for Biological Diversity 2013 held on World Environment Day (5thJune 2013) at Goa State Biodiversity Board, Saligao.
School students and officials present during the valedictory function of International Day for Biological Diversity 2013 held on World Environment Day (5th June 2013) at Goa State Biodiversity Board, Saligao .
Hon. Minister for forest and Environment and Chairperson GSBB, Smt. AlinaSaldanha addressing the gathering on the occasion of the valedictory function of International Day for Biological Diversity 2013 held on World Environment Day (5th June 2013) at Goa State Biodiversity Board, Saligao.
Awareness programme
Intimation letter to utilize bio resources and to create awareness about theregulations imposed on utilization of bio resources of the state were sent to the stakeholders viz. Government Departments, colleges, research institutes, industries, NGOs etc. under section 7, 22, 23 of Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Rules, 2004.The details are as under:
1. Inauguration of sign boards at Chicalim&Sancoale Bay on 10th May 2013, in the interest of stake holder education and awareness about the oyster Placuna placenta, locally known asmendios. 2. Snake awareness programme was conducted at the Government High School, Porvorim on 5th July 2013 3. Lecture on biodiversity was delivered to the students of VidhyaProbhodini High School, Porvorim by Dr. NitinSawant, Member Secretary. 4. Biodiversity awareness programme was conducted at Smt. SunandabaiBandodkar High School, Salai on 12th August 2013. 5. Talk on Environment and Biodiversity was delivered by the Member Secretary at Bhagwati High School on 27th September 2013. 6. Biodiversity awareness programme was conducted at Cotigao on 7th October 2013. 7. Member Secretary gave a presentation on “Wildlife of Goa”, at Kasarpal on 30th October 2013. 8. Snake Awareness programme was conducted at Hassapur, Pernem on 13th Dec 2013. 9. Translation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Biological Diversity Rules, 2004 in local language (Konkani) was undertaken and the task of translation of this book was assigned to The Directorate of Official Languages, Panaji- Goa. This book was distributed to the Government offices, educational institutes Panchayats and NGO’s
Front cover page of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Biological Diversity Rules, 2004 published in local language (Konkani- Devnagri script) by Goa State Biodiversity Board
Activities carried out by GSBB
1. The Goa State Biodiversity Board organized the logo competition for selecting a logo for the State Biodiversity Board. The best logo was selected and finalized in the XXth Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) meeting held on 21st February, 2014 Board. The Winner was rewarded with a prize of Rs. 3,000/-
2. Restoration of sand dunes at Colva beach was undertaken in May 2013.
3. Dr. NitinSawant, Member Secretary of GSBB gave a presentation on “Wildlife of Goa”, for IGBC at Kala Academy on 31st May 2013.
4. Crocodile was rescued at Ecoxim on 14th May 2013.
5. Various site inspections as requested by Chairperson of the Board were conducted viz; Carambolim, Nuvem, Benaulim, Aroshi, Colva, etc.
6. Member Secretary of GSBB attended the Planning Commission meeting at Secretariat on 5th June 2013 at 03:30 pm.
7. Member Secretary attended the Conference on ‘Environment and development scenario in Goa’ at Goa International Centre, Dona Paula on 29th June 2013
8. GSBB sponsored a ‘B-Cube’ event organized by Vascokar’s United, CEE, Rotaract Club on 10th August 2013. Member Secretary of GSBB was the Guest of Honour. The event was held at M.P.T institute, Vasco. On this occasion the Member Secretary addressed the gathering of students, teachers and environmentalists. He also delivered a lecture to the students on the Biodiversity of Goa with the message that the pride of Goa is its Biological Diversity.
9. Dr. NitinSawant, Member Secretary was invited as the Chief Guest for Independence Day celebration at Lourdes Convent High School on 15th August 2013.
10. A lecture on Biodiversity was delivered by Dr. NitinSawant, Member Secretary at Goa State Museum on 17th October 2013.
11. GSBB sponsored the one day State level educator skills training workshop, ‘The Sahyadri fresh water Biodiversity conservation’ at Carmel College for Women’s on 22nd October 2013. Member Secretary was the Chief Guest for the occasion.
12. A lecture was delivered by Member Secretary at Forest training School, Valpoi on 6th January 2014.
13. The Member Secretary, Dr. NitinSawant delivered a lecture on the importance of biodiversity to the teachers at the workshop on biodiversity conducted by SarvaShikshaAbhiyan at Government High School, NamoshiGuirim on 1st February 2014.
14. A field trip was organized for the students of L. D. Samant’s College, Porvorim on 25th Feb 2014 in the campus of Science and Technology, Saligao. Around 35 students were accompanied by 2 teachers. The students were addressed by the Member Secretary and Scientific Officer. During their visit the students were introduced to the plants of medicinal importance in the Herbal garden and other wild varieties of flora in the campus of DST&E.
15. Dr. NitinSawant, Member Secretary was invited as the Chief Guest to inaugurate the ‘Science fiesta 2014’ organized by Goa Science Centre, Miramar on 26th February 2014 on the occasion of the celebration of International Science Day. GSBB participated in the Science Fiesta 2014 by displaying the books on ‘Environment and Biodiversity’ and distributing posters on the theme, ‘conservation of water’, for creating awareness about biodiversity amongst the students and general public.
16. A field trip was organized in the campus of Science, Technologyand Environment, Saligao for the students of Smt. SunandabaiBandodkar High School, Salai on 28th February 2014. 25 students along with 2 teachers were introduced to the medicinal plants in herbal garden and other wild varieties of flora in the campus of DST&E.
17. Member Secretary was invited as the Chief Guest for the Science Exhibition held at SwastikVidyalaya, Priol, Mardol on 2nd March 2014 to commemorate the Science Day programme. On this occasion theMember Secretary delivered a lecture on the conservation of biodiversity
18. Lectures were delivered to the trainees at the Forest Training School,Valpoi on 11th and 13th March 2014. Lectures delivered by the Member Secretary, Dr. NitinSawant were on the conservation of biodiversity and Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Rules 2004. MsTruptiJadhav, Scientific Officer at GSBB also delivered the lectures on the butterflies.
Dignitaries seen on the dais on the occasion of B-CUBE ‘Vasco- Lets go green Series 2013’
Saplings of fruit bearing plants were distributed amongst the students by the Hon. Minister for Forests and Environment Smt. AlinaSaldanha
Publications
i) Publication of three posters and a pamphlet On the occasion of the valedictory function of International Day for Biological Diversity 2013 held on World Environment Day (5th June 2013) at Goa State Biodiversity Board, Saligaothree posters and a pamphlet published by Goa State Biodiversity Board with the message of water and biodiversity conservation were released at thehands of Chief Guest Smt. AlinaSaldanha, Minister for Forests & Environment and Chairperson, Goa State Biodiversity Board and Guest of Honour Shri Richard De Souza, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
The special report published by National Biodiversity Board, Chennai India with the title “Watering Biodiversity, Ecosystem management” was also released and distributed on this occasion.
Posters and a pamphlet published by Goa State Biodiversity Board with the message Of water and biodiversity conservation were released at the hands of Chief Guest and Guest of Honour
ii) Coffee table book, entitled ‘Glimpses of flora and fauna of Raj Bhavan’ Later in September 2013, GSBB in association with Forests Department, Government of Goa published a coffee table book, entitled ‘Glimpses of flora and fauna of Raj Bhavan’
Front cover page of the coffee table book,
entitled ‘Glimpses of flora and fauna of Raj Bhavan’
Processed applications forms for access to Biological resources and associated traditional knowledge (Form I) from NBA/State
1. Proposal received by Goa State Pollution Control Board from M/s Yatch Haven (Goa) Pvt. Ltd, Vasco-da-Gama, Goa for the development of Marina at Sancoale Bay in Zuari River at Village Sancoale, MormugaoTaluka, South Goa
2. Application form for access to Biological resources and associated traditional knowledge (Form I) seeking the approval for collecting and utilizing the natural plant resources for the project proposal entitled ‘Documentation, Study and Utilization of Local Plants for Natural Dyeing’ from Goa College of Home Science, Campal, Panjim-Goa.
3. The application seeking No Objection Certificate (NOC) received by Goa State Pollution Control Board from M/s Marina India Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd., Britona,Bardez-Goafor mooring of Dump Pontoon PIT STOP ‘ISOLA’ in the River Chapora at Morjim, Pernem, near existing river wall in Morjim at Temba Waddo, Ward No. 7 in the village Panchayat of Morjim
4. Application received by National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) from M/s Reliance India limited,Andheri (E) Mumbai asking for consent of the Board for accessing biological resources (Form I) under section 3 of Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and rule 14 of the Biological Diversity rule, 2004.
5. Application received by NBA from M/s. Evonik Industries AG, Germanyasking for consent of the Board for accessing biological resources (Form I) under section 3 of Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and rule 14 of the Biological Diversity rule, 2004
Goa State Biodiversity Board has received application forms for access to the biological resourcesand traditional knowledge. Since the Biodiversity Rules for the State of Goa are under the process of formation, GSBB cannot accept Form I therefore the forms received fromthe following companies were forwarded to the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) for its perusal:
i) Sandu Pharmaceutical Ltd., Pilerne Industrial Estate, Saligao- Goa, ii)Seahath Canning Company, Margao Industrial Estate, Margao- Goa iii) Myko Tech Pvt. Ltd., Dona Paula- Goa iv) M/SSagar Feeds & Food Processing Industries- Cuncolim
Complaints received and action taken
Site surveys and inspection of ecologically sensitive areas were also conducted based on the complaints received from the complainants.
1) Construction of Road through wetland at Nuvem (Rumbder), Salcete
A complaint from Shri J. C. Milagres Da Costa and two otherswas received on 07/11/2013 regarding the construction of Road through wetland at Nuvem (Rumbder) requesting the Board to intervene in the matter to ensure that ecological balance is not disturbed or destroyed. The same was placed in the XIXth Goa State Biodiversity Board meeting held on 13th December 2013. The Board members suggested to have the joint site inspection at Nuvem on 14th December 2013 with the other authorities from Department of Agriculture, Water Resources Department and Public Works Department. The authorities fromDepartment of Agriculture and Public Works Department were present during the site inspection.
Accordingly on 14/12/2013 the said inspection was carried out and the technical inputs were sought from the concerned department. Accordingly the inputs were received from office of Directorate of Agriculture and Public Works Department, Margao Goa. Considering the said report and the in-house expertise available, GSBB has following observations:
The GSBB opines that the project has had detrimental effects on local ecology, economy and biodiversity; and further recommends that necessary road & landscape engineering inputs may be proposed and implemented at the earliest to avoid further deterioration in the ecological status of the area.
2)Area in front of Colva, Salcete church proposed for filling
A complaint was received from the Secretary, Colva Civic & Consumer Forum, Colva regarding the filling up of area in front of Colva church requesting the Board to intervene in the matter. The joint site inspection was conducted at Colva on 5th December 2013 with the authorities from The Office of Deputy Collector, Town and Country Planning, Mamlatdar, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Department.
Accordingly on 05/12/2013 the said inspection was carried out and the technical inputs were sought from the concerned department. Accordingly inputs were received. Considering the said reports and the in-house expertise available, the GSBB made the following observations:
1. Until such time that the biodiversity of this area is not documented across seasons, no decision to reclaim the area be taken at any level. 2. Pursuant to the reports received from Department of Agriculture, Panaji; Water Resource Department, Margao; Town and country planning, Margao; Deputy Collector and SDO, South Goa. It has been unanimously highlighted that the proposed area is low lying area. 3. Site inspection revealed that it is water logged marshy land with some elements of freshwater biota. The extant vegetation indicates good water holding/ saturation capacity of the soil. 4. Reclamation or filling of the plot could interfere with hydro-dynamics and also result in habitat loss.
3) Conservation of biodiversity and reclamation of fields in Kevnem, Taleigao
The complaint was received from Shri Vaicunth Pai, a resident of Taleigao stating that the reclamation of fields in Kevnem, Taleigao is ongoing by filling up of low lying agricultural land (paddy fields) and hence a joint inspection was conducted on 11th March 2014 at Kevnem in Taleigao
4) Request from Chicalim Village Action Committee
This committee had requested a site inspection report of 16/6, 16/7, 72/1 of Dabolim Village and with the consent of the Board a joint site inspection was conducted on 7th March 2014.
5) Complaint from Goenchea Ramponkaracho ekvott on Mechanised Beach Cleaning.
Goenchea Ramponkaracho ekvott has submitted a grievance to Goa State Biodiversity Board on the mechanized beach cleaning on the beaches of Goa. The same was placed before the Board in the XXth Board meeting held on 21/02/2014 and it was resolved that Dr. Antonio Mascarenhas (former Scientist, NIO) may be requested to study the impact of mechanized beach cleaning on the coastal areas of Goa and submit a scientific report to the Board. Accordingly as requested by the GSBB Dr. Antonio Mascarenhas submitted the report on the deleterious effect of mechanized beach cleaning on the beach biota.
6) Illegal mud filling in pond and construction of rooms and toilets
Shri Mayenkar and the villagers of Carrasvado, Bardez had submitted the complaint against the illegal mud filling in pond and construction of rooms and toilets at Carrasvado, Mapusa. A joint site inspection was conducted on 12th March 2014 along with the other line Departments.
7) Destruction of environment at Vagator (venue of SUNBURN)
ShriTrevor Mascarenhas, a resident of Mapusa had submitted a complaint with respect to the destruction of environment at Vagator (venue of SUNBURN). Ajoint site inspection with the concerned Government Departments was conducted on 13th March 2014 so as to resolve the above matter.
8) Destruction of Sand Dunes, Rocks and Cutting of Hill at Vagator Beach, Anjuna
Shri Trevor Mascarenhas, a resident of Mapusa had submitted a complaint with respect to the destruction of sand dunes, rocks and cutting of hill at Vagator Beach,. A joint site inspection with the concerned Government Departments was conducted on 13th March 2014 so as to resolve the above matter.
9)Illegal land filling at Sy. No. 92 at Chauder in Cortalim
Ms. Zenobia Miranda a resident of Cortalim had submitted a complaint of illegal land filling at Sy. No. 92 at Chauder in Cortalim. On the request to conduct the inspection a joint site inspection was conducted on 25th March 2014. Enlivening sites in the herbal garden with the marvelous ‘flying jewels’
Articles in local news paper
Utilization certificate and expenditure statement
Annexure I - Notification of Threatened Species in Goa (2010)
Annexure II - Reconstitution of the Board (2012)