Panjim: Almost a year and half after Dona Paula jetty was closed for public and tourists due to unsafe structure, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has granted its nod for repair work of the approach bridge connecting the popular tourist hotspot, without piling any new pillars.
Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) had approached GCZMA seeking permission for repair work of the approach bridge connecting the Dona Paula tourist spot. spot. GCZMA’s application said the approach bridge has developed some technical issues and had been declared unsafe for the tourist movement and hence needs urgent repair.
The tourist destination has been shut since November, 2018 following the order of North District Collector.
“The authority after pursuing the plans of the project proponent decided to convey the approval to the project subject to the fact that there won’t be any piling done to reinforce the pillars but the existing once itself, will be strengthened as per the proposal,” the GCZMA said.
The Authority added that the beautification of the area would be strictly in accordance with the plans and any deviation there, would require fresh approval.
Earlier during the site inspection the project proponent informed GCZMA that the bridge, had been declared unsafe and needs urgent repair. GTDC added that those pillars declared unsafe would be repaired and strengthened and no new pillars would be erected or location would be changed.
“Looking at the condition of the bridge and approach pathway meant for tourist movement, it is important that the bridge is immediately repaired,” GTDC said.
Following the site inspection, the Expert Committee of GCZMA recommended that considering the current situation of the bridge, the pathway and floorings, an NOC may be granted to the work, on condition that the work does not involve dredging and shifting of pillars or addition of any new pillars.
The Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd, which was suppose to undertake the beautification of the jetty, in their structural analysis report, in 2018, had said that the structure is unsafe for public movement.
