PANAJI
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has granted its green nod for structural repairs of the existing Dona Paula jetty and reconstruction of the old jetty. In 2023, fully renovated and beautified phase I of the iconic Dona Paula jetty was thrown open to the public.
The GCZMA during its meeting held last month, approved the grant of Environmental Clearance (EC) under CRZ notification, for the proposal moved by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC). The Authority has directed GTDC to undertake an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study prior to the commencement of the works.
According to the Coastal Zone Management Plan 2011, the proposed project falls in the jetty/shipyard/ramp category which comes within CRZ IVB.
At the time of site inspection by the Expert Members, it was noticed that there exists two jetties on loco. The area of the existing jetty which needs to be repaired is 276 sq mtrs and the area of the jetty which needs to be reconstructed is 226 sq mtrs.
“At a time of inspection, it was also noticed that both jetties and piers of jetties were in dilapidated condition,” the Authority noted.
It expects the repairs and reconstruction to cost approximately Rs 8 crore and the work could take around a year.
The public works department (PWD) through its structural audit report had warned about the structural stability of the jetty and the risk to public safety. About 49 metres of the jetty remain dilapidated and blocked off, while the major portion of the jetty has been thrown open for tourists and locals.
A PWD report had said that the concrete jetty did not meet the required structural design strength and had suggested demolition and reconstruction. The government had in 2008 undertaken renovation and beautification of the jetty but the structure began to deteriorate within a few years.
