VASCO: The Goenchea Ramponkaraancho Ekvott (GRE) has objected to the work of NH-17B from Varnapuri to Sada junction for having blocked access to the Baina beach and also for noise pollution.
In a complaint to the Deputy Collector, PWD, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority and Goa State Pollution Control Board, the GRE has alleged that the columns/pillars 10 to 20 at Katem Baina of the Varunapuri to Sada road have blocked the access to the beach.
“Construction of storm water drainage is constructed in NDZ and is within 50 meters of high tide line which is a clear violation of CRZ notification 2011. This Storm water drainage is built having height of 1 meters from ground level and the width is 1.5 meters, Thus completely blocking the traditional access of the beach to the public and the fishermen of Desterro and Baina,” GRE said in its complaint.
“The fishermen of Baina have been using this traditional access for several decades; and the construction of unplanned storm water drainage has led to inconvenience to carry on our traditional activities,” the GRE said.
They informed that the transportation of fish, fishing equipments like nets, motors etc from the beach to the road is practically impossible to cross because of the huge drainage.
“Besides the drainage, the contactor has violated ‘The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) rules, 2000 as this is a residential area. Day and at night, the noise levels are above permissible limits as heavy equipments are used throughout the entire day and night which deprives us of sleep. Also, it badly affects the health of the fishermen, senior citizens, women and children who are residing in this area,” GRE claimed.
The GRE and fishermen have requested the authorities concerned to take immediate action against the contractor/company with respect to illegal and unplanned storm water drainage and noise pollution at Baina.
