This could further delay the completion of the bridge that was due to be completed by January 2017.
Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) Vice Chairman Siddharth Kunkalienkar conceded that part of the construction work on land – at the Panjim-Merces circle – has been delayed due to the order.
“We may change the design as per the NGT order. The work at this portion could delay,” he said on Tuesday, maintaining that the construction of piers and ramps along Porvorim and in Mandovi River is going on as per the schedule.
Herald was the first to report about the likely development in its December 15, 2015 edition. According to the earlier plan, the Rs 450 crore bridge, which would connect Porvorim to Merces circle, bypassing Panjim city was scheduled for completion by January 2017.
However, NGO Goa Foundation moved the NGT alleging damage to the environment pointing out that around 247 mangrove trees were destroyed in the process. In its order on August 29, 2015 the tribunal directed the government to ensure that no mangroves are destroyed in completing the project. The government was also asked to submit an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report undertaken by them to the petitioner.
