the goan I network
VASCO
Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho on Thursday voiced concern over the NGT and CRZ authorities, claiming that they came in the way of development in the State.
Godinho was speaking to reporters while launching development projects at Bogmalo in the presence of Bogmalo Sarpanch Virginia Rodrigues, Ward Panch Arun Naik and others.
“I had sanctioned one of the State’s best toilet facilities with changing rooms at Bogmalo Beach, but sadly it was not yet operational after CRZ authorities raised objections. We spent around Rs 60 lakh to sanction such a wonderful toilet facility on Bogmalo beach, but it is appalling that it has not been functional after CRZ authorities raised objections. The CRZ and NGT come in the way of every development work,” Mauvin said.
“The NGT delayed our works for the new Mandovi Bridge (Atal Setu), which we have completed. It is such a lovely bridge, but the NGT delayed it by one-and-half year and what did they achieve? Only around 17 trees were cut and for the 17 trees, we were confronted with escalated costs since the project was delayed by one-and-half year. This is how we have to function in a democracy,” he added.
Regarding the toilet facility which is not functional now, Godinho said he was working for an out-of-the-box settlement.
“We will have some private people to look after the toilet through CSR and put someone on the job, so that the wonderful facility created can be put to the best use. We will also take up beach beautification,” said Mauvin.
“People feel that the new CRZ notification will impact Goa and there will be no beaches left for the people. NGOs are also functioning without even analyzing anything and I want to make it clear that the new CRZ rule does not affect Goa at all because it is only for a certain amount of a population,” he added.
“There are certain parameters and Goa will remain as it is. Without studying what is notified, NGOs go hammer and tongs at the government,” Mauvin stated,adding, “Everything in Goa will remain as it is and at the most, it may impact rivers. That’s the only change, otherwise, I don’t think there will be any impact on Goa due to the new CRZ notification.”
