Panaji: For some Chorao residents, the bridge to Salvador do Mundo is a much-awaited link out of Goa’s biggest riverine island. Many others on both sides, however, are wary about high ecological costs, benefits to locals and environmental concerns ahead.A bridge through Salvador do Mundo or Ribandar was proposed over three decades ago. But all along, ferryboats helped islanders cross over to Ribandar and Pomburpa, retaining its pristine status.Now, with Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) inviting bids for a Rs 274.8 crore project within three years— as against the first tender of Rs 141 crore in late 2013, the Tiswadi-Bardez link plan is on track again.“The proposed bridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity for Chorao residents and surrounding areas while also boosting local development,” said a GSIDC official.Stating that govt has secured people’s consent, local MLA Premendra Shet said, “It was the islanders long-time dream for better connectivity to Panaji.”However, the residents of Salvador do Mundo have demanded more transparency on the project at a gram sabha meeting.The 425m steel bridge will have two embankments— 234m in Chorao and 429m in Saloi— as approaches. This was revealed in a reply to Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar’s query in the assembly on July 23, 2024.The embankments will pass through eco fragile areas on both sides and poims— waterbodies which control flood water in the age-old khazan system. Being one of Bardez’s most fertile patch, the area hosts otters, avian diversity and fish nurseries.Massive water displacement in Salvador do Mundo khazan which acts as a balancing reservoir during monsoon may affect the only cultivated stretch from Quitula to Ecoxim due to landfilling. “The rain water flows in the north-south direction from hills and the huge east-west embankment may disrupt flow to Mandovi river even if pipes are used,” said Dinesh Dias, a farm land owner and an activist.Chorao residents have demanded proper environmental assessment of the project. “Khazan land protection is vital for flood control, agriculture and island survival. Sluice gates, poims and bundhs act as tidal regulators,” said activist Eusebio D’Silva of Save Chorao.In a 10-point charter, they have sought declaration of Chorao as an ecologically sensitive island. Others are demanding relocation of bridge site due to likely impacts on diverse flora and fauna.“There could be increased flooding in agricultural fields, harm to local farmers’ livelihoods, and long-term environmental damage,” said Vikas Prabhudesai, a Porvorim resident.The Chorao site lies not far from the vulnerability-indexed areas of Merces, heavily devastated by reclamation.The State Action Plan for Climate Change, a report by Nabard consultancy services (Nabcons) for Goa has listed Tiswadi, Bardez and Salcete as highly vulnerable to flooding due to sea level rise. These areas are at the lowest altitude within 5m.“The water level keeps rising and we need to be cautious about any projects that involve massive reclamation, involving water level impacts,’ said environmental architect Elsa Fernandes.Fernandes’ recent geo-spatial study combined with spectral satellite image evaluation of Tiswadi taluka has indicated that some areas like Merces and others are at the most vulnerable level — an altitude of less than 2m.While the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has projected submergence of areas near Panaji by 2050, the researcher used Digital Elevation Modelling – DEM data from ISRO’s Bhuvan website to pinpoint the vulnerable 2m areas within the imperilled 5m elevation zones.Many of these patches, especially near Patto and KTC bus stand in Panaji and St Cruz are already under water. “Out of the taluka’s 98 sq kms of low-lying khazans, 70% area is in the range of a critical 2-3m elevation,” Fernandes said.A bridge project over Chimbel river in Merces khazan has buried parts of the eco fragile flood plain for service roads, without any impact sensitivity and ignoring climate-proofing necessities, sources said.Chorao bridge will link to narrow roads in Penha da Franca and Salvador do Mundo, flanked by houses and compounds. Traffic from Bicholim is likely to find its way into Porvorim.Trucks sourcing huge mud requirements for the 7.5m carriage way are likely to use and destroy adjacent fields. “An independent and legally compliant assessment of the project’s social, environmental and infrastructural impact on Chorao is in order,” said D’Silva.
