NGT instructs panel to check building’s CRZ compliance

PANAJI: The National Green Tribunal has directed a four-member committee to be formed to inspect the new terminal building of the Captain of Ports (CoP) being constructed at the banks of River Mandovi in Goa.

The NGT has ordered the panel to note which Coastal Regulation zone (CRZ)- I, II, IV- the building falls in and inspect if proper procedure was followed before granting clearance to the terminal building.

Scientist Joe D’Souza approached NGT alleging violation of CRZ norms by the project. D’Souza had first approached Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority, which found no merit in his complaint. According to the coastal authority, the terminal will function as a foreshore activity which is permissible in the CRZ notification 2011.

The Tribunal has said that since neither of the parties involved could ascertain in which CRZ region the building is being constructed, a panel comprising Secretary to Urban Development Department, Government of Goa, the Commissioner, Corporation of City of Panaji, the district collector (North) and one member of the Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (Goa-SEIAA) will be constituted to inspect the issue. The co-coordinator of the panel will be Member Secretary, Goa-SEIAA.

The NGT has directed the panel to ascertain whether CRZ rules as per the 2011 notification are being followed. The panel is to submit its full report within a month.