PANJIM: Kerala-based National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS), shortlisted for the preparation of Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) 2019, made its presentation before the Environment department, as to how it proposes to go ahead with the process to draft the new plan.
Sources informed that the department has sought some clarification from the agency before finalizing it. “The department is waiting for their reply. Once we are satisfied, the agency will be finalized,” sources said.
The Environment Department had on April 27 sought quotations from the agencies notified by the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for the preparation of CZMP 2019. A total of seven notified agencies were approached.
Only, NCESS and National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Chennai quoted for the project. NCSCM has drafted CZMP 2011 plan for Goa, which is yet to be finalized. While NCSCM quoted Rs 3.89 crore, NCESS quoted Rs 85.54 lakhs for the preparation of the plan.
Until and unless the CZMP 2011 is revised or updated, the provisions of the CRZ notification 2019 will not be applicable in Goa and provisions of CRZ 2011 will continue to be followed for appraisal and CRZ clearances for any requisite projects.
The CRZ Notification, 2019 regulates foreshore developmental activities and ports and harbours are prohibited in high erosion stretches.