MARGAO
Congress MLA Reginaldo Lourenco has sought the intervention of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to ensure revocation of the recommendation made by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) for the proposal of M/s Zuari Agro Chemicals Ltd (ZACL) for expansion of fertilizer blending unit for customized NPK production in its existing factory at Zuarinagar Sancoale.
Expressing shock over the manner in which GCZMA granted its recommendation for Zuari Agro’s proposal, Reginaldo reminded the Chief Minister that the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification 2011 clearly prohibits expansion of existing industries within the CRZ.
“However, throwing all norms to the winds, it appears from the documents furnished to me that GCZMA recommended a proposal by ZACL that involves, among other things, construction of a 5000 MT Ammonia tank within the CRZ area. Construction of such a huge storage tank for hazardous chemicals within CRZ is unthinkable from the environmental point of view. How and why GCZMA approved such a development leaves a big question mark on its functioning. The recommendation apparently faced indictment of none other than the expert appraisal committee of the MoEF&CC,” he said in the letter.
He pointed out that it was incumbent on part of GCZMA to have revoked the permission/recommendation given to the proposal. “Merely forwarding it to MoEF&CC like a postman was not the solution. By doing so, GCZMA has abdicated its primary responsibility towards the people of Goa and protection of their coastal environment. In the federal set up, the State body has to discharge its duties alone and correct and rectify any wrongs brought to its notice,” he added.
Saying that the traditional fishermen and the common man are routinely harassed by GCZMA, Reginaldo pointed out that the authority had no qualms about permitting ZACL to put up a 5000 MT Ammonia tank within the eco-sensitive area.
“I strongly submit that the government in its supervisory capacity ought to inquire into how such a recommendation came to be made, including in vigilance point of view if need be,” he added.
