PANAJI
Days after the National Green Tribunal ordered the State administration to re-conduct the public hearings for the finalisation of the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority said July 8 will be the fresh date.
Announcing the details, GCZMA said the venue for the public hearing in North Goa would be the Parade Ground, Opposite Campal Clinic, Panaji while the venue for South Goa would be SGPDA Ground, Opposite District & Sessions Court, Margao.
A section of concerned citizens appeared to be content over the arrangements, but have expressed anguish over the weather playing spoilt sport, in view of the fact that the hearings are being held when the monsoon will be in full fury.
"Normally Goa witnesses heavy rainfall during the month of July, and holding public hearings during this time could inconvenience people leading to a low turnout", said a local from Siridao.
An activist, while speaking to The Goan on phone, expressed concern over why the hearings are restricted to one day when the NGT order clearly states that it could be held over multiple days. "Why has the government not identified a back-up day in case if there is a complete wash-out", was a cautious reply when told that the government has assured to cover venues with water-proof pandals.
The hearings at both the venues will start at 10 am and go on till completion of the hearing.
GCZMA has asked speakers/participants wishing to participate in the public hearing to register their names by email on [email protected] or in writing to the office of the Collector North or South by June 30 along with the requisite identification documents.
However, registration will also be open at the venue from 10 am to 2 pm states according to the notification issued by GCZMA.
Stakeholders including institutions, departments, local communities, public, NGOs etc have been asked to submit suggestions and objections if any on the draft CZMP to the respective Collectors or member secretary CZMP by post or by email.
Participation through virtual platform has also been permitted and those desirous of joining the hearing as participant or speaker through virtual mode have been asked to send a mail to GCZMA.
The fresh public hearing dates have been announced in view of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order issued last week directing Goa to hold the public hearings afresh.
NGT had stated in its order that norms for public hearings were not followed in letter and spirit by the State government during the last hearings.
