PANAJI
The lack of modern surveying instruments has hampered the mapping of structures in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas, leaving several site inspections and geo-referencing exercises pending, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has noted during its recent meeting.
As per the authority, the number of structures requiring mapping within CRZ jurisdiction has increased considerably in recent years. However, the absence of adequate and technologically advanced survey equipment has affected field inspections and delayed the mapping process.
Officials informed the authority that the existing Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) instrument with GCZMA is unable to function effectively under canopy cover and in several coastal stretches, limiting its utility during site inspections. As a result, a number of mapping exercises remain pending.
“The DGPS instrument of GCZMA does not function under canopy and CRZ jurisdiction coastal areas. The mappings of structures have increased and there many site inspections for mapping are pending due to no availability of surveying instruments. As such, there is an urgent need for the latest model DGPS which can function below the canopy and all coastal areas,” the Authority noted.
To address the issue, GCZMA has approved a budgetary provision of Rs 56.64 lakh for the purchase of two latest-model DGPS units along with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers and controllers. The equipment will be procured through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform.
The authority stated that the advanced survey systems are required for accurate mapping of structures in CRZ areas and for carrying out allied exercises linked to coastal zone management.
The mapping of structures in coastal areas is being undertaken in compliance with directions issued by the National Green Tribunal's Western Zone Bench and the Bombay High Court at Goa.
Since last one and half year, GCZMA has been undertaking aerial surveys of the CRZ structures to demarcate hotels, residential buildings, houses, beach shacks, recreation parks, open plots and other tourism related-activities that have come up over the years along the coastal belt. The High Court had pulled up authorities for rampant CRZ violations and its failure to control it.
