PANJIM:
With GCZMA now defunct, and in the absence of coastal regulation zone (CRZ)
clearance, the State government might have to keep its ambitious project of
construction of the third bridge over River Mandvoi in abeyance from August 8,
as the four months time period granted to the State by the National Green
Tribunal (NGT) to seek a CRZ nod, ends on Sunday.
Moreover,
the expert member of Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), directed to
inspect the construction activity to ensure its impact on the coastal
environment, is yet to furnish the final report, even as the authority’s term ended
on July 21. It is learnt that the report with summary observations by former
expert member Dr Antonio Mascarenhas, was placed before the authority only on
July 28, seven days after the term expired.
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“From
August 8, the construction work of the project has to come to a halt
considering that the State has not managed to get the CRZ clearance. If they
don’t, then we will move a contempt petition,” petitioner Dr Claude Alvares of
Goa Foundation told Herald. “The only option before the State is to seek
extension or else face contempt,” Alvares added.
NGT while
passing an interim order on April 7, had directed Goa State Infrastructure
Development Corporation (GSIDC), the nodal agency for construction of the
bridge, to obtain fresh CRZ clearance, within four months.
“In any
case, the entire procedure of submission of application on decision there upon
shall be complete within four (4) months from date of this order; else the
construction work of the bridge shall be kept in abeyance till such CRZ
clearance is obtained. A compliance report be submitted by GCZMA after four (4)
months,” the order stated.
However,
GCZMA has confirmed that though the application for clearance was submitted by
GSIDC, it is yet to be approved. “GSIDC had made a fresh application but
pending report from me, the application was not processed. It is still pending
with the authority. Now the decision will be taken by the new authority once
constituted,” Mascarenhas said.
He said he
submitted the summary observations to the authority, which now might have to be
placed before the new GCZMA for consideration. “I will be submitting the final
report in a day or two,” he said.
On the
other hand, Goa Foundation is of the view that Mascarenhas’ report cannot be
accepted by the NGT as it is submitted after the lapse of the authority’s term.
“The report will first have to be placed before the new members who may either
consider it or may go for a fresh study. This will take time and till then the
project will have to be kept on hold,” Alvares explained.
The Union
Ministry for Environment and Forest (MoEF) has refused to grant an extension to
the old team as sought by the government and has directed to submit the fresh
names within two weeks.
NGT had earlier slammed GCZMA for the manner of their approach towards
the crucial project, which falls in the CRZ.
