Team Herald
VASCO: The expert committee constituted by Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) on Wednesday measured the area developed by Goa Tourism Development Authority as part of Baina beach beautification project.
This exercise was done to comply with the directions of National Green Tribunal, Pune bench.
GCZMA officials informed that they would submit the inspection report along with other measurement details before NGT on or before April 17 as the hearing in the case filed by Goa Foundation would be held on April 19.
According to the information, Goa Foundation’s Claude Alvares had filed a petition before NGT pointing out anomalies in the beautification project at the beach, and the project has been carried out in total violation of CRZ.
Thus while hearing the case, NGT directed the GCZMA to form an expert committee and to conduct inspection of the Baina beach beautification so as to submit the report to them before the next hearing scheduled on April 19.
On Wednesday, GCZMA’s expert team led by A J Bhonsle measured the developed area from the existing retaining wall at Baina beach.
Goa Foundation convener Claude Alvares who was also present at the site presented photographic evidence to the expert team showing picture of Baina beach taken in 2006. He also showed pictures taken after developmental activities started taking place on the beach front.
Speaking to reporters, Bhonsle informed that they have completed measuring the developmental works undertaken at the beach from existing retaining wall and the same would be presented before NGT on April 17. He also said that GCZMA would comply with all directions issued by NGT in Baina beautification case.
Meanwhile, Alvares said that the project undertaken by GTDC is having numerous confusions.
“Firstly, the project is totally confusing. GTDC does not want us to use the plan they have submitted instead use the new plan which has two dates of approval. Approval is given first and the plan is prepared afterward and how this can happen is a big question,” Alvares added.
