PANJIM: In major relief to Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday refused to grant a stay on the Baina beach beautification project. One Rajabhau Pawar representing ‘Mormugao Vasco Citizens’ Forum’ had filed a petition before NGT alleging that the project is illegal and in violation of coastal regulation zone (CRZ) regulations.
NGT at its last hearing on September 30, had issued notice to the Chief Secretary, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), GTDC and Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) to appear before the bench on October 4. The bench heard the petitioners and all the respondents on Tuesday.
“During the hearing, the petitioner was unable to substantiate the allegations of violations made in the petition filed by him against the Baina Beach Beautification project. On the other hand, GTDC produced all permissions and approvals obtained by them for executing the works,” a statement issued by GTDC said.
GTDC has got permissions from GCZMA, Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), MMC and Mormugao Planning and Development Authority (MPDA). “Unsatisfied with the claims made by the petitioner, NGT rejected to grant relief sought by the petitioner,” the statement said.
The Baina Beach Beautification project aims at giving a facelift to Baina beach. The project aims to up the profile of the beach and several tourism activities are proposed to attract tourists.
