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She also questioned the proposed move to reduce the High Tide Line (HTD) from 200 to 50 metres when the creeks are contaminated and the beaches in a sorry state, littered with waste and garbage.
Addressing the media, social activist Judith Almeida pointed out that people are not opposed to the western bypass, but have been only demanded that the bypass should be constructed taking into account the impact on the environment.
“The land filling activity in Nuvem had an impact in all the surrounding areas. If the rains had to continue for another two days, it would have caused devastation in the entire belt,” she said.
Almeida also questioned the government decision not to appoint a full-time Member Secretary for the Coastal Zone Management Authority when the authority is busy with a host of issues. “The Centre has been shifting the HTL. Today, we have the sea invading the beaches. Just imagine the destruction that will be caused to life and property if the HTL is reduced to 50 mts,” she said.
On the question of the CRZ member secretary, Judith said the government has shunted a dedicated Member Secretary and has been replaced by a new Member Secretary who has been transferred after 13 days in office. “Now, we have a new MS who is holding additional charge of two departments, and is available for the public only for two hours,”
Judith said.
