PANAJI
The construction work of the proposed twin-tower project atop the new Zuari bridge, is expected to be delayed over want of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance as the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) is likely to move the proposal to the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for final approval. The authority is awaiting an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report.
Apart from CRZ clearance, the project may also require aviation clearance from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), as the Dabolim airport is located approximately 11 kms from the project site. With the proposed tower height exceeding 120 metres, safety concerns related to air traffic operations have been flagged by the authority.
The project proponent “ Dilip Buildcon “ was supposed to commence the construction work of the Rs 270 crore project post monsoons and was expected to be completed within three years from the time of execution of the work.
“It is mandatory for the project proponent to submit the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and to give detailed presentation, highlighting the potential environmental impacts and applicable CRZ regulations for the proposed project before the GCZMA,” the Authority’s Expert Committee noted during its meeting held on December 24 while recommending that the proposal be forwarded to MoEF&CC for final approval.
GCZMA has also informed Dilip Buildcon that additional clearances from the Forest Department and the Goa State Pollution Control Board are required, particularly with respect to mangroves and pollution-related concerns, before CRZ approval can be granted.
An inspection report submitted by expert members revealed that the project site falls within ecologically sensitive zones, including mangrove and mangrove buffer areas (CRZ-IA), CRZ-III (No Development Zone for river/creek), CRZ-IB (water body) and designated fishing zones. The proposal includes a 120-metre-long and 12-metre-wide walkway bridge connecting the mainland to the base of the towers.
“Mangrove trees are noticed on both the sides of proposed project sites. Mangrove trees are highly important to the areas they inhabit, serving as a critical buffer between marine and terrestrial environments and providing a wide array of ecological, economic and climate related benefits. The same needs to be protected,” it said.
The project proponent has submitted the draft CRZ Delineation Study Report, prepared by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO); however the final report is awaited before granting CRZ clearance.
Taking note of the fact that as per CZMP 2011, fishing zone areas falls within or adjacent to the project site, the expert members have asked GCZMA to take coastal communities into consideration before taking the decision.
The project includes a children’s play area, toilets, pantry, ticket booth, security cabin, administrative building, etc, on the ground below the bridge on the Agassaim side, where Dilip Buildcon’s temporary office currently stands. A walkway will be built from here to the base of the towers, from where high-speed elevators will take visitors to the top of one of the two observatories.
Experts also highlighted the presence of the ancient Gopakapatana port beneath the Zuari bridge on the Agassaim side, a site of significant heritage value under the jurisdiction of the Department of Archaeology, Government of Goa, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Goa Circle. The project proponent has been directed to ensure that no construction, damage, demolition or alteration is carried out that could affect the heritage site during any phase of the project.
