THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Senior Congress leader and former Panaji mayor Surendra Furtado has accused the BJP government of rushing environmental clearance for a new L‑shaped jetty on the Mandovi River, calling the “Rapid EIA” process a dangerous shortcut.
Pointing out that the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has recommended the project to the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Furtado said the Mandovi is Goa’s ecological and heritage backbone and deserves a full year‑long study covering all seasons.
“A Rapid EIA is completed in three months. What is the government in such a hurry to hide?” he asked, demanding SEIAA reject the recommendation and order a comprehensive assessment.
He questioned the purpose of the 25m + 15m RCC jetty opposite the Old Secretariat.
“The location is in the casino belt. Is this for ferry users and fishermen, or for private yachts and casino guests?” he said, urging the government to publish traffic studies and passenger data before spending crores of public money.
Furtado also challenged GCZMA’s claim that no mangroves were observed at the site. He argued that Mandovi banks show fresh mangrove growth after rains and suggested the survey was timed in the dry season to miss ground reality. His team, he said, will photo‑document the site to verify the findings.
He listed four demands: rejection of the Rapid EIA, a public hearing in Panaji, clarification from the Heritage Committee on construction in the Old Secretariat precinct, and consultation with traditional fishermen to safeguard ramps and access.
