The NGT which is hearing an appeal filed by the Goa Foundation, challenging the construction of the bridge in the no-development zone (NDZ) of Kerim village which has been extended to 500 metres from the HTL due to the natural beauty of the beach stretch. The applicant said that the construction of the bridge was entirely unnecessary as there is already an existing bridge and ferry service.
The notice is returnable on October 31, when the matter for hearing on interim relief, including stay on the construction would be heard.
The Foundation sought to challenge the CRZ clearance granted by the GCZMA dated October 22, 3013 for construction of a major bridge across the Tiracol estuary costing Rs 77 crore in violation of the CRZ Notification 1991/2011 issued under the provisions of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and the approved Goa Coastal Zone Management Plan dated September 27, 1996.
The Goa Foundation pointed out that the permission as required from the MoEF has not been obtained, no environment impact assessment (EIA) has been carried out and that GSIDC has commenced construction of the bridge. Permission has been granted by the GCZMA despite the characterization of the area as CRZ I and in violation of the provisions and procedures laid down in the CRZ notification.
“The bridge access on the southern side is being constructed in the beach zone, immediately on the HTL of Querim (Kerim) beach which is demarcated as CRZ I as per the approved Coastal Zone Management Plan and CRZ notification. The bridge is being constructed without prescribed study of environmental impact and that too in the NDZ of Querim and across the estuary of Tiracol River which is eco-sensitive area and in the absence of an approved CZMP.
