NGT seeks affidavits from MoEF, state of Goa re Keri-Tiracol bridge (Times of India)
TNN | Dec 2, 2014, PANAJI: *National green tribunal (NGT) has directed the Union ministry of environment and forests (MoEF), the state of Goa and Goa coastal zone management authority (GCZMA) to file their affidavits in the issue of construction of the Keri-Tiracol bridge.* NGT has also ordered the forest department to inspect the site. Goa Foundation, an NGO, had filed an appeal before NGT, alleging that *the bridge is being constructed without a prescribed study of environmental impact and that too in the no development zone (NDZ) of Keri and across the estuary of Tiracol river, which is an eco-sensitive area and in the absence of an approved coastal zone management plan (CZMP).* Norma Alvares, advocate and counsel for the NGO, had sought to join the state and forest department in the appeal. The appeal was a fit case for interim relief, as it is likely to cause environmental damage and its purpose (appeal) would be defeated if it was not granted, she pleaded. Recently, the NGT bench, comprising judicial member Justice V R Kingaonkar and expert member Ajay A Deshpande in an order further directed that there should be no felling of trees and the forest department should submit a report on the extent of the existing forest, as also the status of the under-construction bridge. The bridge which is being constructed by Goa state infrastructure development corporation (GSIDC) across the river near its mouth to link Tiracol village to the mainland is *estimated to cost 77 crore.* Further, the applicant had alleged that the southern access of the bridge is being constructed in the beach zone, immediately on the high tide line of Keri beach. *This is demarcated as CRZ I,* as per the approved coastal zone management plan and CRZ notification. *The NGO has raised apprehensions about* *ulterior motives in linking the village to facilitate access to a golf course proposed in Tiracol and challenged the CRZ clearance issued by GCZMA on October 22, 2013, to the project.* GSIDC has commenced work on the project in June 2014, as per its website. *But no clearance has been obtained from MoEF as required and there is no diversion order from the forest department for the forested patch on the northern side access to the bridge, the NGO has alleged in its plea.* MOEF and GCZMA have been asked to file their affidavits before the next hearing for interim stay on December 10. The state has agreed to file its affidavit and that of GCZMA within a week to allow early conclusion of the hearing on the interim stay. GSIDC has already filed its affidavit in the matter. Stephen Dias <[email protected]> 09:06 (4 minutes ago) to *Laxmikant*, *francis*, *Srinet*, *Alina*, *Antonio*, *Nandkumar*, *Chairman*, roger, bcc: Derek, bcc: Aires, bcc: Amitabh, bcc: Judith, bcc: Bevinda, bcc: Alexandre, bcc: Bevinda, bcc: Miguel, bcc: GBA, bcc: boscoeremita, bcc: vishnuswagh, bcc: Lamberto, bcc: commissioner, bcc: Council, bcc: dr_colaco, bcc: karen, bcc: Steffi Dear Roger, Thank you for the mail. It is quite unfortunate that such illegalities are seen in Goa and that NGT is doing a good job. Although I had not seen this Kerim Bridge and the area of it, but I know that there is enough objection by the NGO and others for building this Bridge at Kerim. Hope the judgement comes as relief for the Goans especially people from Pernem area since environment is at stake. If anybody wants a complete information on this aspect may please send their request to me so that I can send a RTI copy obtained by me from GCZMA recently. Also there are several such issues of my interest in Mala -Panjim= and Aivao- Caranzalem, D.Paula itself, which I hope this new Chief Minister will surely take up the matter in the interest of Goan environment and public at large. STEPHEN DIAS D..PAULA
