PANJIM: The Opposition benches on Thursday demanded a halt to the ongoing work on the eco resort and golf course at Tiracol while also demanding a probe into coastal regulation zone and environmental clearances granted to Leading Hotels Pvt Ltd and the golf courses coming up in the northernmost tip of Pernem taluka.
Speaking during Question Hour, Independent MLA Rohan Khaunte alleged that CRZ permission was granted despite the area not being in a settlement zone. He also questioned how work of the Tiracol bridge was undertaken despite the matter pending before the National Green Tribunal, Pune.
“The EC and CRZ granted by the government are illegal,” he charged the government, adding “I need an assurance of a probe into both clearances.”
Environment Minister Alina Saldanha declined to comment on the issue informing the House that the matter is sub-judice before the NGT. On persistent insistence of an assurance for a probe, she said it will be done through the court which is currently hearing the matter.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai alleged the construction of the bridge from Keri to Tiracol side was underway although permission was granted only from one side – Querim. Saldanha again reiterated that the matter is sub-judice.
In her written reply to Khaunte, the minister said that the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) was complying with the directions issued on December 22, 2014, that directed that no further construction be carried out except on the land, which has been already cut and in any case only towards Querim side. The bench had also mentioned that no construction on Tiracol side could be carried out unless forest clearance is obtained as well as prior approval of NGT is given.
As informed by the GSIDC, she said, at present no work is carried out on Tiracol side, whereas work was undertaken on the Querim side.
Participating in the discussion, Leader of Opposition Pratapsingh Rane suggested that Kiranpani bridge is capable of catering to the needs of the commuters and as such, no separate bridge is required. The Kiranpani-Aronda Bridge, connecting Goa and Maharashtra was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 22 crore, and inaugurated in 2013. “If people benefit, only then, build the bridge. Not otherwise,” Rane said.
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar rejected the suggestion claiming the bridge is not feasible for the Tiracol villagers as they have to travel 15 kms distance to reach the bridge to proceed further.
He recalled his childhood days when residents of Pernem faced great difficulty to commute to other parts of Goa due to lack of connectivity. “We were earlier cut off due to the Chapora river. I have personally gone through many problems without the bridge,” he said, adding the government does not want the local citizens to undergo the same problem in the present situation.
