MAPUSA
Minister for Environment Aleixo Sequeira on Friday informed the Goa Legislative Assembly that a fresh proposal for Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) and environmental approval for the Marina project at Nauxim, Bambolim has been received by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) even as several MLAs raised concerns over the project.
However, the government is yet to take a position on the project, a stance confirmed by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
Sequeira stated that the Coastal Zone Management Policy (CZMP) of 2011 remains in force and any decision will adhere to this plan.
“The proposal is under scrutiny. We are yet to take a view on this project. I don’t understand how the MLA says we are supporting the project,” Sequeira responded to a query from Velim MLA Cruz Silva during the Question Hour.
The Environment Minister clarified that the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has not received any application for consent to establish or operate the marina project.
“The Board has not issued any consent to operate for the marina project,” he said.
Cruz Silva raised concerns about the environmental impact report, which indicated that the project could negatively affect fishing activities and the local ecology, with irreversible damage. He highlighted the presence of the windowpane oyster, a Schedule II species under the Wildlife Protection Act, and noted strong opposition from local fishermen, panchayat bodies, and NGOs.
“The concerned government departments, MLAs, and ministers have not visited the site to understand the impact of the project. Why is the government supporting the project?” Silva questioned.
Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco supported Silva’s concerns, emphasizing the eco-sensitivity of the area. St. Andre MLA Viresh Borkar, whose constituency includes the project site, demanded the project be scrapped entirely.
“The proponents of the project will carry out dredging of almost 1 lakh sq mt area which will destroy our ecosystem,” Borkar said. He urged Santa Cruz MLA Rudolph Fernandes, Cortalim MLA Antonio Vas, Taleigao MLA Jennifer Monserrate, and Panaji MLA Babush Monserrate to oppose the project due to its potential adverse effects.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant reiterated that the government has not taken a stand on the marina project.
“We have not given environmental clearance to the project though I maintain support for green projects,” Sawant said.
The debate over the marina project continues as the government scrutinizes the proposal, weighing the environmental concerns raised by local representatives and communities.