Team Herald
PANJIM: In what could further delay the redevelopment of the picturesque jetty behind Kala Academy in Panjim, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has now decided to forward the proposal to the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) for approval.
Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), which has been entrusted with the task of redevelopment of the jetty, had approached Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority in December 2013 seeking permission under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) for the proposed expansion project.
However, in December 2015, the proposal was rejected on grounds that the bank of the river is highly unstable and is prone to erosion and thus setting up a jetty for the extended portion/length will threaten the ecosystem etc.
Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation had proposed to expand cum redevelop the jetty from 75 metres to 121 metres. KA was asked to submit a revised design of a completely floating type jetty without the use of piles for its examination.
A fresh proposal from GSIDC claimed that the benefits of the project are more significant due to its tourism importance while the adverse environmental impact is insignificant.
It also stated that the jetty will be used to conduct events which will generate revenue and that requisite impact and mitigation measures will be taken during the jetty’s construction.
Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority has now decided to place the proposal before SEIAA, which is the competent authority to grant approvals for such project as per the latest Union Ministry for Environment and Forest notification.
