PANJIM: Goa Tourism projects to create public utility facilities at 30 places along the coastal stretch have been hit by the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) country-wide order halting construction activities pending finalisation of coastal zone management plans.
NGT, last November, had passed the order directing all States not to grant environment clearance for development projects in prohibited-cum-restricted areas of CRZ till July 31, 2018 by when the plan for the respective States has to be finalised.
“The roadblock is due to the NGT order. Unfortunately because of the coastal regulation zone, constructions of the facilities that will include shower room, changing room, toilets and locker service, across 30 places has not come up yet. We have nevertheless moved files for permissions. We are told that GCZMA is preparing plans as sought by the NGT,” Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) chairman Nilesh Cabral said on Monday conceding the delay in setting up the facilities.
He, however, assured to create separate facilities for men, women and special category within one year, which would certainly come after a nod from the authorities concerned and finalisation of the Plan. The Chairman went on to add that eight out of the 30 premises belong to hotels/resorts, and GTDC has requested them to allot 200 sq mtrs to it to create the facility. “Only one has reverted agreeing to hand over 200 sq mtrs to GTDC. We are awaiting a response from the others,” he said.
The NGT order has also stalled the proposed work of creating special wooden ramps for people with disability at two beaches in the North and South Goa. “We have chosen Colva (South) and Calangute or Baga (North) where wooden ramps will be set up to facilitate people with special need (physical disable) to travel right from the road to the water. Lifeguards will be deployed to ensure safety and the facility will be manned to ensure it is not misused. However, the NGT order has stalled the project,” Cabral added, claiming that Goa Tourism and GTDC are very focused on the projects.
Parrikar had recently assured to challenge the order before the Tribunal or Supreme Court seeking relaxation in certain projects. Meanwhile, special toilet blocks at Candolim, Ashwem, Anjuna and Baga beaches, Tito’s lane and two other places will soon be inaugurated, Cabral mentioned.
