Panjim: Almost after nine months, since it was put on hold, the State is all set to go ahead with proposed Marina at Nauxim village, with the environmental public hearing for the project being scheduled on July 26.
AHOY Marina, as it will be known, will be developed by Kargwal Constructions Pvlt Limited, across a 1,00,000 sq mtrs stretch, with its land area admeasuring 50,000 sq mtrs as per the Environment Impact Assessment report.
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The project is to facilitate small boat, yatch and craft parking as well as maintenance in MPT water.
Following pressure from the villagers from Odxel-Nauxi and surrounding villages, under the banner, ‘Goenkar Against Marina’; and also the local MLAs that included three from the ruling BJP, the govt was forced to cancel the public hearing for the project scheduled on November 2, 2019.
Now, following directions from the North District Magistrate, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has scheduled the environmental public hearing of the project on July 26 at 10.30 am onwards at Athletic Stadium, Bambolim.
“The environmental public hearing is being conducted for ascertaining the concerns of the affected persons who can express their views or seek information or clarifications from the project proponent,” said GSPCB member secretary Dr Shamila Monteiro.
She said the earlier hearing had been scheduled on November 2, 2019 was cancelled by the District Magistrate due to “exigency work”.
The Board has further stated that, concerned persons having plausible stake in the environmental aspects of the project or activity, can send their views, suggestions, comments and objections in writing, on or before the scheduled date of public hearing to the Regional officer of MOEF or GSPCB.
The project was approved by the Investment Promotion Board in 2015; but was strongly opposed by the villagers who said the facility will harm the ecology, marine life and destroy traditional fishing activity. The villagers add that pending the finalization of the Coastal Zone Management Plan, the govt cannot go ahead with it.
Kargwal signed a concession agreement with MPT for a 30-year lease to establish the Marina in its waters that envisages accommodating 239 boats on the northern bank of the Mormugao bay on MPT’s opposite side.
