PANJIM: Concerned citizens of Panjim on Thursday strongly opposed the ongoing concretisation of the Mandovi riverbank along the promenade, which is considered an eco-sensitive zone.
The citizens gathered at the site and inspected the environmental destruction caused by the large-scale haphazard concretisation of the riverbank in front of Maquinez Palace as part of Smart City initiative. They feared that works along the riverbank will lead to blocking the flow of water in and out of the St Inez Creek.
The citizens stated that the concretisation of the River Mandovi bay where the drainage water from St Inez Creek flows has now been chocked with concrete. They further alleged that the concretisation of the walkway is illegal and requested transparency from the government authorities.
Former CCP councillor Patricia Pinto alleged that the State administration is not transparent about the work being carried out. She said that on November 1, they had asked for plans of the proposed works which is underway and a reminder was also sent in this regards on November 14. But till date the administration has not furnished the plans, she informed.
“We are asking for all the plans including the proposed ropeway for Panjim city. But it is kept hidden and they are doing it quietly so that people of Panjim don’t know. Even CCP Mayor is not showing us the plans,” she said demanding to know, “Where are the people incharge of Panjim? Where are our representatives? Why is he not showing the people of Panjim the plans? Why is Mayor not showing us plans despite writing a letter to him?”
Vishal Rawley said that the government is adding to the problems by laying concrete in the CRZ area. He said that due to concretisation, water flow has been reduced and sand is piled up. This will increase sedimentation around the concrete and choke the flow of water.
Former geologist Arnold Carmo Lobo said, “You don’t require concrete for walkway. Even culverts were built with laterites which lasted for 400 years. Concrete cannot be put in eco-sensitive areas unless government has other hidden agenda.”
Avertino Miranda of Goa Green Brigade claimed that concretisation cannot be carried out in CRZ areas and demanded to remove it as it wil cause environmental destruction.
After the inspection, a discussion on the steps required to initiate action to stop the mindless destruction was held.
