PANAJI
The National Green Tribunal has given the Goa government up to January 31, next year to complete the process of finalizing the Coastal Zone Management Plan for Goa.
The Goa government had sought additional time claiming that the delays were on account of the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management which is now finalizing the plan.
“Having regard to the significance of the expeditious action in the matter, we find that there is continued failure on the part of the State of Goa. Let the NCSCM expedite the matter. The Secretary, MoEF&CC may monitor the same and as far as possible, the whole process may be completed by 31.01.2021,” the NGT principal bench which is hearing the matter said.
The Government had told the NGT that though they have taken all steps, delay is being caused by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM).
The NGT had earlier given the Goa government until January this year to have the plan completed while also warning that there will be no salary for the environment secretary if the plan is not completed.
“Even though there is no justification for further extension in view of huge unexplained delay for the last more than one and a half year after expiry of date fixed by this Tribunal, as a last resort extension is granted till 31.01.2020 subject to the condition that the concerned Secretary of the State of Goa will not be entitled to draw salary from 01.02.2020, if there is a default, till compliance,” the NGT had said in November 2019.
The Goa government had initially asked for time until March next year which was not granted by the NGT.
