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PANAJI
GTDC pointed out that Mascarenhas was not the final authority in the GCZMA. “The GTDC is not obliged to consider any recommendations made by Mascarenhas and is certainly proceeding with its Baina beautification project armed with all permissions obtained by it from various authorities including that of the GCZMA,” stated Allan Pereira, executive engineer, project cell.
The GTDC was given permission for construction of six RCC (concrete) pergolas and has pointed out that the project has taken into consideration the present beach geomorphology and the present beach profiles.
“It is strange that after granting permissions for the project that Mascarenhas is raising objections to the same,” said Pereira. He further said that there is no tampering of the beach dune systems and that there is nothing for Mascarenhas to feel absurd about in landscaping of sand dunes which will definitely be done keeping ecological aspects in mind. “There is not going to be any destruction of dunes and the GTDC is not insensitive to ecological issues,” Pereira assured.
GTDC emphasized that the Baina beach beautification project will up the profile of Baina and the beach, will draw more tourists and provide the much needed tourism infrastructure that GTDC is endeavouring to provide.
2011 CRZ notification violated!
The permission granted by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority to the department of tourism for “beautification” of Baina beach clearly states that it is subject to the condition that there should not be any violation of CRZ Notification 2011.
The CRZ notification clearly states that changes for beautification and recreation in CRZ II is not permitted.
Section 3 (xiii) of the notification clearly states that dressing or altering the sand dunes, hills, natural features including landscape changes for beautification, recreation and other such purpose is strictly prohibited.
The Baina area also falls in CRZ II and Section 8 (i) clearly states that buildings shall be permitted only on the landward side of the existing road, or on the landward side of existing authorized structures.
The GTDC has presently erected concrete structures on the seaward side of the existing road, which seems to be a violation of the notification and therefore a violation of the permission granted by the GCZMA.
