Panaji: Goa forest department stated that Captain of Ports (CoP) should conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA) study before proceeding with dredging of the Chapora river, to ensure no impact on the turtle nesting beaches at Morjim and Mandrem.After CoP proposed dredging the mouth of the river, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) sought forest department's opinion regarding its potential impact on olive ridley turtle nesting sites.In response, forest department informed GCZMA in a June letter that Morjim beach is located near the proposed dredging site and expressed concern that "dredging may affect the stability of nearby beaches.""It is therefore requested that GCZMA advise CoP to undertake an EIA through a reputed institution to determine the project's impact," forest department stated.Forest department also noted that the river island near the proposed dredging site is a roosting site for migratory birds. It recommended that CoP conduct an EIA study to assess the potential impact of dredging on the island.CoP informed GCZMA that dredging is necessary due to sand accumulation, which has reduced the depth at the mouth of the river. The department added that dredging is required for safe navigation of fishing trawlers at all tides.An expert committee from GCZMA inspected the site and recommended reassessing the dredging depth, limiting it to only what is necessary.