PANJIM: Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has ruled out the possibility of any change in the design of the third Mandovi Bridge. However, this will depend on the final judgment given by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
GSIDC chairman Pramod Sawant said there won’t be any change in the bridge’s design and it would be completed by April 2017. “The bridge work towards Porvorim side is moving on the fast track. The work on Panjim side is at halt as we are waiting NGT’s final order,” he told reporters.
Sawant said the work on the flyover towards Merces and additional five to six pillars in River Mandovi towards Panjim would be completed once NGT passes its order.
According to the existing plan, the Rs 450-crore bridge, which will connect Porvorim to Merces circle, bypassing Panjim was scheduled for completion by January 2017.
However, Goa Foundation moved the NGT alleging damage to the environment pointing out that around 247 mangrove trees had been destroyed. In its order the tribunal directed the government to ensure that no mangroves are destroyed in completing the project. NGT has currently reserved its judgment in the petition.
The State government informed NGT that the project did not require an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study and that the Environment Clearance (EC) from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has been granted.
The State also told the Court that following its earlier interim order to ensure that mangroves are not destroyed, the government has kept one-side of the project on hold.
The State’s claims were countered by the Foundation, pointing that EIA study is must as the construction is massive and likely to impact mangroves and river bed.
