OLD GOA
Appealing to the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to postpone the hearing slated for March 7, residents in Chimbel have insisted that GCZMA experts should first explain the plan to the locals.
At a special meeting held to discuss draft CZMP in the Chimbel panchayat on Wednesday, the locals opined that there are several changes made in the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) with new legends introduced which have to be explained in details to the locals.
“The common man cannot understand the plan and hence, authorities concerned are duty bound to explain it to the villagers,” a local informed.
The locals also opined that one day is not enough to hold a public hearing for the entire district of North Goa.
“There will be thousands of people assembling at the venue which will prove chaotic. Instead of holding public hearing for the entire district at one venue, the GCZMA should hold the hearing at the panchayat level,” local Ana Gracias stated.
Alleging a sinister plan behind the draft CZMP, Xavier Fernandes of Rainbow Warriors informed that the same is done for transportation of coal.
“Ports limit has been extended to all rivers of Goa, which means the rivers belong to the MPT. The Centre has approved the Major Ports Authority Bill which gives MPT the authority to build any infrastructure along the rivers, including jetties,” Fernandes informed.
“The plan is to transport 137 million tonnes (MT) of coal from the MPT, of which only 51 MT will be transported by rail and road. The remaining 86 MT will be transported by waterways and for that, around 40 jetties have been proposed in the CZMP. Of these 40 jetties, 9 jetties are ready to be constructed any moment,” Fernandes alleged.
Further speaking, Fernandes said after jetties are constructed, the government will go ahead with acquiring land for access to the jetties and under the National Waterways Act, nobody will be able to oppose the same.
“So, it is high time that all Goans get together and oppose the draft CZMP to save Goa from destruction,” Fernandes added, while urging the Chimbel locals to submit objections in writing before the deadline of February 26.
