NT Reporter
Panaji
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has revised and reissued the conditions attached to its recommendation for the proposed Observatory Towers and Viewing Galleries project atop the new Zuari bridge. The authority said that certain clauses were “inadvertently erroneously mentioned” in its earlier approval granted during the 499th meeting held on March 31.
The proposal has been sent to the Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (GSEIAA) for environmental clearance.
The project, proposed along NH-66’s Panaji-Mangaluru corridor, includes observatory towers, viewing galleries, walkways, parking facilities, lighting and related infrastructure as part of the cable-stayed Zuari bridge at Agassaim and Cortalim.
GCZMA has directed strict compliance with the CRZ Notification 2011 and said that any change in the project profile or implementing agency will require fresh reference to the authority. It has also said that the project must comply with relevant Bombay High Court orders related to coastal regulation.
The authority has prohibited cutting of mangroves and flattening of sand dunes and has directed
that no environmental degradation should take place. It has also said that untreated sewage, solid waste or effluents must not be
discharged into coastal waters or beaches, and compliance with Solid Waste Management Rules and Pollution Control Board norms is required.
The project must not affect fishing activity or lead to displacement of residents, fishermen or houses, and traditional access and easement rights should not be blocked, it said.
The project proponent has been directed to establish an Environmental Management Cell under a senior executive and earmark funds for environmental safeguards.
The order said that the recommendation will remain valid for seven years and may be revoked if false information or violations are detected. It also said that the recommendation does not preclude proceedings before courts or the National Green Tribunal.
Sources said the authority has decided to levy a
scrutiny fee of Rs 5 lakh for the project after noting the absence of a notified fee structure.
GCZMA said the recommendation from the CRZ point of view does not amount to unconditional approval and that GSEIAA may impose additional conditions.
