Staff Reporter
Panaji
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has issued new mandatory guidelines for its engineers and field surveyors to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the approval process of coastal
zone projects.
The decision was taken at the GCZMA’s 446th meeting following complaints about delays and a lack of standardisation in technical verifications for projects under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ).
As per the new rules, all site inspection reports must indicate whether there are any discrepancies in project plans submitted
by applicants.
The reports must also include a detailed fee structure based on the notification dated September 12, 2024, and its amendments.
The GCZMA has directed that only plans strictly adhering to CRZ norms should be considered at the meetings.
This pre-screening process is intended to reduce time spent on non-compliant proposals.
Following the uploading of meeting’s minutes online, engineers and surveyors are required to sign and stamp the approved technical plans within three days. These documents must then be authenticated by the member secretary, who will stamp and countersign all plans to ensure verification and prevent post-approval tampering.
The guidelines also require that after approval and payment of fees, the dealing official must submit the file for the member secretary’s signature within three working days.
The GCZMA has stated that adherence to the updated guidelines is mandatory. Non-compliance may lead to disciplinary action or delays in project processing.
Developers have responded positively to the measures, expecting faster approvals, while some technical staff have raised concerns about the feasibility of meeting the timelines.
A Panaji-based environmental consultant said the changes could reduce ambiguity in the process. An engineer involved in coastal projects stated that while the clarity is appreciated, sufficient staff would be necessary to meet the deadlines.
