MARGAO: The Goa State Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has granted the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) permission to undertake beautification and provide a range of services along the Siridao beach promenade. The development of the amenities is being done in compliance with the standards authorised by the Blue Flag accreditation.
The GTDC’s special purpose vehicle suggests that 1,100 square metres be used for the development of Siridao’s amenities.
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The GTDC is going to build a water tank, kiosks and a toilet block. Additionally, it will raise the retaining wall’s current handrail.
Experts from GCZMA have informed the GTDC that because the area falls under CRZ, the sewage must be disposed of appropriately but that they are not allowed to build soak pits in this area.
Instead, GTDC has been instructed to build comparable facilities, such as a sewage treatment plant, at the location.
“The proposed amenities sought to be provided by the GTDC are in sync with the requirements of the Blue Flag certification. With the exception of the tree guard, the rest of the proposals suggested by the GTDC are approved by the authority,” said GCZMA.
It may be recalled that the State government initially declined assistance from the Centre to acquire the Blue Flag certification for beaches like Miramar due to local opposition over environmental concerns. Now, GTDC independently proposes to develop infrastructure at Siridao to meet Blue Flag requirements.
The Blue Flag certification, issued by Denmark’s Foundation for Education, aims to attract foreign tourists by promoting clean, well-preserved beaches through 33 stringent criteria, including water quality, safety, and waste management.
