MARGAO: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has granted permissions for several constructions at Quitol-Betul in Quepem, where the upcoming India Energy Week (IEW) will take place from February 6 to 9, 2024.
Among the approved facilities are a helipad, temporary multipurpose hall, lecture halls, and a floating jetty.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to attend the event organized by the Institute of Petroleum and Environment Management for Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC).
The helipad is slated to be a concrete platform covering an area of 12,100 sqm. IEW is set to attract over 35,000 participants from over 100 countries, featuring key decision-makers in the energy sector. Temporary constructions, including a digital expo center, multipurpose hall, and lecture halls, will span approximately 4,000 sqm.
GCZMA approval also includes a jetty and connecting walkway ramp, which will be constructed partly on land and partly in intertidal zone and sea connecting the Samudra Shiksha Barge.
GCZMA has imposed various conditions emphasizing sensitivity to the intertidal zone ecosystem and restrictions on permanent constructions and use of heavy machinery.
The Authority has stipulated that jetty and access infrastructure should be temporary, with no concrete footing or piling in the intertidal zone and sea. An extension has been granted for existing structures at Quitol, such as the office block, training block, electrical fire training simulator, fire pump house, and fire control room.
The 1.3 lakh sqm land at Quitol was acquired in 1990 for establishing the Institute of Safety and Environment Management for Petroleum Industries of India. It may be recalled that in March 2016, Quitol gained global attention during DefExpo 2016 hosting 934 defence-related companies from 45 countries.
