GTDC files affidavit; claims Baina project is not in NDZ
Goa Tourism claims 90% work of project completed
THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
The Goa Tourism Development Corporation on Tuesday filed an affidavit in the National Green Tribunal that the Baina beach beautification project falls in the category of CRZ II and not in the No Development Zone as alleged by the Goa Foundation and several others who have challenged its permission.
When the matter came up for hearing the GTDC submitted its affidavit which was taken on record with the Goa Foundation being asked to respond to it.
“The Goa Tourism Development Corporation submitted its affidavit in reply denying any violation of CRZ and NDZ rules and regulations and submitted all supporting documents containing permissions, approvals, NOCs from concerned departments of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC), Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), and Mormugao Planning and Development Authority (MPDA),” the GTDC said in a statement.
The GTDC said that the NGT refused to grant stay for the second time when the matter came up for hearing.
However, on the other hand, speaking to The Goan, Goa Foundation’s Claude Alvares said that the matter was not heard and only the affidavit submitted was taken on record with both the GCZMA as well as them responding to the affidavit before the next hearing which is posted on November 23.
“The GTDC has submitted its affidavit. In its affidavit the approved plan by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority has not been submitted,” Alvares told The Goan.
The Goa Foundation has challenged the project on grounds that it is being constructed right in the no development zone of the coastal regulation zone and will cause permanent and irreversible damage to Baina beach.
“The project that is being executed is towards the seaward side of the retainer wall and is on the active beach zone or sandy stretch. The construction activity comprises buildings with concrete pillars and low laterite walls, which is now being filled with mud or rubble thus altering the topography of the beach. Since these structures are in the beach area they effectively reduce the extent of sandy beach available to the public,” the Goa Foundation has alleged.
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority had approved the project subject to the condition that the project should be exclusively restricted between the existing wall and the road kerb only.
“The on-going works of paving, landscaping, setting up of pergolas have been completed. The project is expected to be completed and commissioned soon,” the GTDC has said.
Meanwhile the GTDC has claimed that more than 90 percent of the work has been completed.
