PANJIM: Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has decided to rope in the Central Water And Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune and Chennai-based National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) to conduct a study on the impact to the shoreline due to capital dredging activities carried out by Mormugao Port Trust (MPT).
At a recent meeting, GCZMA decided to write to CWPRS and NCSCM to submit a detailed proposal to conduct a study whether there is any impact /erosion to the shoreline due to MPT’s capital dredging activities.
The decision has been taken pursuant to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order directing GCZMA to carry out a study on the possible impact or erosion.
The Old Cross Fishing Canoe Owners Co-op Society Ltd and Baina Ramponkar and Fishing Canoe Owners Society had challenged the Environmental Clearance granted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MOEF & CC), to MPT dated February 2, 2016 for a project of deepening of approach channel for capsize vessels at MPT.
Following this, NGT in May 2016, issued directions to constitute a committee comprising Dr Antonio Mascarenhas, Member GCZMA, one marine biologist/water quality specialist from NIO Goa, the Deputy Collector of the area and a senior officer of Goa State Pollution Control Board, to ascertain the environmental status and impact due to dredging.
The expert committee visited the site on May 25, 2016 and a report was prepared and filed before the Tribunal. The Tribunal vide its order dated July 11 highlighted certain observations made by the expert committee and decided to examine and hear the matter expeditiously.
