PANAJI
After initially raising a red flag, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has granted CRZ approval to the Goa Tourism Development Corporation’s (GTDC) model shacks proposed to be built on the beaches of Colva, Benaulim, Arambol, and Calangute
The Coastal Body however has directed the special purpose vehicle (SPV) of the GTDC to ensure that the structure is restricted to the ground floor only and as per Beach Carrying Capacity report. The permission is granted during its meeting held on July 1.
The GTDC had moved a proposal for the construction of temporary model shacks, made of composite bamboo, covering a total area of 120 sq mts, each on four beaches.
In May, the GCZMA had asked SPV to clarify how sewage treatment will be carried out at the model shack as it failed to provide the details in this regard.
The GCZMA has said that the ‘innovative’ idea is not innovative as GTDC is still using materials like steel and cement for the construction. The Expert members of GTDC had undertaken site inspection of the proposed beach area, wherein it was found that part of the plot falls in a no-development zone and part of it within the intertidal zone, while part of it had sand dunes.
“The application is for construction of a model shack, made up of composite bamboo material on beaches. The name ‘model shack’ suggests that the GTDC has come up with an innovative idea for a shack. Once this shack is constructed, it will be a model for others to follow. However, the idea is not innovative and along with bamboo, it uses the usual material like mild steel, cement boards etc. The details of sewage/toilet waste treatment are also not provided,” the GCZMA expert members observed.
GCZMA directed GTDC to ensure that the shacks should be located outside the intertidal zone and away from sand dunes and there would be no obstruction or fencing around the sand dunes so as to obstruct wind flow. The GTDC has also been told that it will not be allowed to use concrete even if it is only for support of the structure.
