Team Herald
PANJIM: The construction of the third bridge over River Mandovi seems to have run into rough weather with the National Green Tribunal admitting a challenge filed by Goa Foundation.
Goa Foundation has challenged the construction of the bridge alleging that it is being constructed without an environment clearance.
It also challenged the destruction of some 247 mangrove trees for constructing ramps (roads) to access the bridge.
NGT admitting the application earlier this week and matter will now be taken up on August 21. Goa Foundation has asked for a stay on the construction of the bridge in the absence of proper environment studies and an environment clearance.
The NGT order passed by Justice V R Kingaonkar, states that Advocate General Atmaram Nadkarni, under instructions of GSIDC, has made a statement that pending application, till scheduled date, no mangroves will be cut.
“Considering such a statement, at present ad-interim relief may not be required,” the NGT order states.
NGT has asked Goa Foundation to serve copies of the application in accompanying matters by adding the Secretary, Ministry of Road and Surface Transport, Union of India, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the executing agency or contractors.
