PANAJI
In a major push to the much-delayed proposed Rs 270 crore twin observation towers atop the new Zuari Bridge, the Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) has recommended the project for grant of environmental clearance (EC).
The recommendation was made following a site inspection conducted by the SEAC on August 24. The committee has forwarded the proposal to the Goa State Impact Assessment Authority (SIAA) for grant of EC.
The project, proposed by Dilip Buildcon, had received Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) in April this year. The GCZMA had subsequently recommended the proposal to the SEAC for environmental clearance under the Environment (Protection) Act.
The project was initially scheduled to commence after the monsoon and was expected to be completed within three years from the date of commencement. However, pending clearances, the work has been halted.
While recommending the project, the SEAC imposed several conditions on the project proponent. It has directed that the estuarine shore be strengthened by constructing a gabion wall using either laterite or basaltic stone. The existing cross-section of the nallah draining water from the current pond into the river will also have to be maintained.The developer has further been directed to adopt measures to prevent pollution and littering of the estuarine environment during and after construction. Plantation will have to be undertaken in consultation with the Goa State Biodiversity Board, using native and suitable species appropriate to the riparian ecosystem. The proposed site falls within several ecologically sensitive zones, including CRZ-IA covering mangrove areas and their buffer zones, CRZ-IB covering water bodies, CRZ-III No Development Zones along rivers and creeks, as well as designated fishing zones.The project envisages two observation towers on the new Zuari Bridge, linked to the mainland by a 120-metre-long and 12-metre-wide elevated walkway. Visitors will be taken to the top of the towers through high-speed elevators.The proposal also includes visitor facilities beneath the bridge on the Agassaim side, including a children's play area, toilets, pantry, ticket counter, security cabin and an administrative block, which is presently being used as the developer's temporary site office.
