Mining activity in the catchment area and its impact on Mandovi-Zuari estuaries of Goa

Abstract

In recent years, human activities like deforestation and associated mining, agriculture etc., have enhanced release of material to the river system many fold. It is also argued on the other hand that, due to damming or diversion of river, material release has decreased. Either enhance or decrease is known to cause impact upon river/ estuary especially on its processes. The studies carried out on the Mandovi-Zuari estuarine ecosystem of Goa, revealed that human interference in the catchment area of these rivers, which lead release o f additional material, has affected this estuarine environment to considerable extent.