PANJIM: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a four-member committee to undertake a detailed study on whether the terminal building of the Captain of Ports (CoP) is constructed in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) area and other related aspects. The committee has to submit the report within one month.
The applicant Dr Joe D’Souza had challenged the CRZ permission granted to the ongoing construction work of the terminal building. He has pleaded that the project is declared illegal and in violation of CRZ regulations.
“Give a clear cut report as to whether the said Terminal Building is being constructed in CRZ-I, CRZ-II or CRZ-IV, the built area of the project and further the Committee shall record in its report whether the procedure as provided in CRZ Notification, 2011, was followed in granting CRZ clearance or not,” the bench headed by Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh said.
“A report along with entire evidence shall be placed before Tribunal within one month,” the Bench added as it posted the matter for the next hearing to August 10.
During the hearing on Wednesday, as the applicant failed to convince the NGT Pune Bench where the Terminal Building is being constructed in CRZ-I, 2 CRZ-II, or CRZ-IV region, the Bench constituted a four-member committee comprising Secretary Urban Development, Commissioner of the Corporation of the City of Panaji, North District Collector and one member of Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA).
The committee has been directed to hear all the parties in the light of objections made by the Appellant/Complainant in the matter as well as Respondents.
The State government, Captain of Ports, Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), and Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) are the respondents in the matter.
The Member Secretary, SEIAA, Goa will be the coordinator of the committee.
The Bench has also directed the State government authorities to submit the documentary evidence such as a rapid environment impact assessment study and site inspection, scheduled on May 31, during the next date of hearing.
The applicant has also prayed that GCZMA is directed to revoke the clearance issued to the project on July 20, 2015, and also to refrain from carrying out any further construction activities.
The applicant also pleaded that the GSIDC, which is constructing the terminal building, be directed to immediately restore the riverine land and the reclaimed portion of the river back to the original position.
