savegoatag:,2010:/12010-07-22T17:31:25ZMovable Type 3.34Replace outdated Goa TCP Act, 1974tag:savegoa.com,2010://1.4112010-07-20T16:58:57Z2010-07-22T17:31:25Z20th July 2010 Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) has been holding a series of agitations over the outdated Goa TCP Act, 1974 act and drafting of the Regional Plan 2021. They had demanded that the act should be in consonance with...
20th July 2010
Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) has been holding a series of agitations over
the outdated Goa TCP Act, 1974 act and drafting of the Regional Plan 2021. They had demanded that the act should be in consonance with Article 243 ZD as amended by the 73rd and 74th amendments to devolve powers to municipal bodies and panchayats and district planning committees for the purpose of participatory planning.
Sabina Martins: "The GBA had recently written to the chief minister asking that the TCP Act be amended to incorporate provisions of the 73rd and 74th amendments, which would ensure a bottom-up participatory planning.
But while the government has amended the TCP Act (Sections 16 and 16A)
to allow projects through the back door, it has not incorporated the
73rd and 74th amendments sought by the people in Goa in formulating
the RP 2021. We hope that the review committee will stand firm in
ensuring what the government failed to do in terms of participatory
planning and revoking Sections 16 and 16A of the TCP Act"
GBA Jr. Secretary Mr. Miguel Braganza: The "Goa TCP Act Review Committee" is one of the 774 Committees formed by the Digamber-led Goa Government that has not yet had the opportunity to meet! The members of the other 649 out of the 1423 committees [set up in the 3 years or 1095 days it has been in power @ 1.299 committees per day] have met at least once.
The new committee has to do the work that the Seminar on Draft Goa TCP Act, 1998 on 09 October, 1998 and the Seminar to consider amendments to the Goa TCP Act, 1974 held on 13 October, 2007 [both in the new Assembly/Secretariat Complex and headed by the respective Chief Ministers of the day,with present and past Chief Town Planners and leading advocates in attendance] could not. We wish all the members of that committee all the luck and good fortune in their endeavor. May they succeed where all others have failed since the 73rd and 74th amendments were passed in 1992, the Goa Panchayti Raj Act was amended and replaced in 1994 and the Goa TCP Act, 1974 was amended in 1997 [Section 17-A & B addition], 2007 [withdrawal of RP 2011] and 2008 [amendment to Section 16 & 16 A for project PPP ani mor]. The obsolete and anachronistic Goa Municipal Act, 1968 is still in force and no one has found the time to frame rules under the CCP Act of 2000 till date. Taleigao is a village republic with its own ODP, where TCP rules for lesser villages do not apply, and the fate of Chicalim-Dabolim, Issorcim and Chicolna villages in Marmagoa taluka are tied to the apron or pajama-strings of Vasco da Gama. Soccoro, Salvador do Mundo, Penha de France, Pilerne and Sangolda villages in Bardez have a "No Man's Land" called Porvorim
On the Technical Manual entitled "GOA BEYOND 2000" for the "Technical Convention on 'New Regional Plan for Goa' and Model town & Country Planning Act' 9 October, 1998" organised by the Town & Country Planning Department, Government of Goa and Institute of Town Planners, India, the issues discussed included Town Planning, Transportation, Shift in Beach Tourism, Bodgueshwar Plaza-Town Planning Scheme, Role of Remote Sensing and GIS in Town Planning, CRZ, etc. Mr. Morad Ahmad, Mr. S. T. Puttaraju, Mr. A.P. Diniz, Mr. Vinod Kumar [all still serving in the Goa TCP Dept] were [present and presented papers along with Mr. R. N. Ray and Mr. E. R. "Babush" Godinho, both since retired. the event was sponsred by Karan Grover & Associates, the architects of the new Assembly complex where the MLA now meet.
This is what Dr. Nandkumar Kamat penciled in the top margin of the book cover:
"I attended this Convention where I discovered that the politicians were scared to repeal the old TCP /Act,1974 and pass the circulated model TCP Act." and signed it "Dr. Nandkumar Kamat"
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Attached below is the Government notification to constitute an
eight-member committee to review the Goa, Daman and Diu Town & Country
Planning Act, 1974.
*************************************************************
Published in Government Official Gazette, Panaji, 15th July, 2010
(Ashada 24, 1932) SERIES II No. 16
Department of Town & Country Planning
Order Ref. No. 36/1/Tcp/49/2010/2309
Government is pleased to constitute Committee consisting of following
members for the purpose of review of the Goa, Daman and Diu Town &
Country Planning Act, 1974.
1. Commissioner & Secretary (TCP) … Chairman.
2. Adv. Mahesh Sonak … Member.
3. Adv. Nitin Sardesai … Member.
4. Adv. Cleofato Countinho … Member.
5. Under Secretary (Drafting/ … Member.
/Law) Law Department
6. Ms. Patricia Pinto … Member.
7. Shri Shridhar Kamat … Member.
8. Shri James Mathew, … Member
Senior Town Planner Convenor.
The Members at Sr. No. 6 and 7 represent Civil Society as nominated by
the Government.
The terms and reference of the Committee will be to review the Goa,
Daman and Diu Town & Country Planning Act, 1974 and making it in the
fitness of the present situation vis-à-vis other Rules, Laws, Acts,
etc. The Committee shall also suggest deletion of the irrelevant parts
which are not in the fitness of present day situation.
By order and in the name of the Governor of Goa.
Morad Ahmad,
Chief Town Planner/ex officio Joint Secretary.
Panaji, 7th July, 2010.
*************************************************************]]>
Remind CM about RP promise, GBA to MLAstag:savegoa.com,2010://1.4132010-07-20T14:53:23Z2010-07-22T17:30:01ZHerald July 20, 2010 Goa Bachao Abhiyan in a letter to all MLAs has requested for a follow-up on the assurance given by the chief minister on the floor of the House in the last Assembly Session on the Regional...
Goa Bachao Abhiyan in a letter to all MLAs has requested for a follow-up on the assurance given by the chief minister on the floor of the House in the last Assembly Session on the Regional Plan 2021 that the same would be ready in the next six months (i.e. by Sept 2010). ]]>
freeze on construction as per VP3 status or 50 FAR (floor area ratio) to stop irreparable damage to the State.
In the letter, the GBA maintained it has been monitoring the progress of the RP 2021 very closely. More than four months have passed, without even a single taluka plan being approved by the State Level Committee, it mentioned.
It reminded that the CM had on March 4, 2010, promised representatives of GBA and village groups village plans would be incorporated into final taluka plans for Pernem and Canacona talukas and the same would be made available for public scrutiny as test cases.
The letter stated further, “It is also a fact that illegal constructions and mining are taking place at a rapid pace, especially in eco-sensitive areas taking advantage of the delay of the RP.”
The letter has requested the MLAs to raise the issue on the floor of the House and call for status report on the assurance given by the CM.]]>
Discontent over panel chosen to review TCP Acttag:savegoa.com,2010://1.4122010-07-16T11:21:48Z2010-07-22T17:25:39ZTimes Of India- Goa July 16, 2010 After several amendments during the past three decades, the Goa government has constituted an eight-member committee to review the Goa, Daman and Diu Town & Country Planning Act, 1974. However, not everyone is...
Times Of India- Goa
July 16, 2010
After several amendments during the past three decades, the
Goa government has constituted an eight-member committee to review the
Goa, Daman and Diu Town & Country Planning Act, 1974. However, not
everyone is happy with the composition of the panel.
The committee is headed by commissioner and secretary (TCP) Rajiv
Yaduvanshi as its chairman, while senior town planner James Mathew is
the convenor. The other members comprise advocates Mahesh Sonak, Nitin
Sardesai, Cleofato Coutinho, former Panaji councillor Patricia Pinto,
Shridhar Kamat and the under secretary (drafting) of the law
department.
"Framing a new act is difficult and there is no time frame," TCP chief
town planner Morad Ahmed said.
While amendments have always been carried out, there is a need to
consider a review to suit the present day scenario, he added. "Many
things have come up now and there is a need for changes, while some
provisions cannot be easily implemented," Ahmed said. The availability
of satellite imagery is also a factor necessitating the framing of new
rules.
"The members at serial no 6 and 7 (Pinto and Kamat) represent civil
society as nominated by the government. The terms and reference of the
committee will be to review the Goa, Daman and Diu Town & Country
Planning Act, 1974, and make it in the fitness of the present
situation vis-a-vis other rules, laws, acts, etc. The committee shall
also suggest deletion of irrelevant parts which are not in the fitness
of the present day situation," an order issued by the government
states.
Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA), while holding a series of agitations over
the act and drafting of the Regional Plan 2021, had demanded that the
act should be in consonance with Article 243 ZD as amended by the 73rd
and 74th amendments to devolve powers to municipal bodies and
panchayats and district planning committees for the purpose of
participatory planning.
"The GBA had recently written to the chief minister asking that the
TCP Act be amended to incorporate provisions of the 73rd and 74th
amendments, which would ensure a bottom-up participatory planning,"
GBA convenor Sabina Martins said.
But while the government has amended the TCP Act (Sections 16 and 16A)
to allow projects through the back door, it has not incorporated the
73rd and 74th amendments sought by the people in Goa in formulating
the RP 2021. Martins declined to comment on the composition of the
review committee, but expressed the hope that it will stand firm in
ensuring what the government failed to do in terms of participatory
planning and revoking Sections 16 and 16A of the TCP Act
Another GBA member said the DPCs were constituted earlier this year,
but have to be recast following ZP elections, but expressed
dissatisfaction with the representation in the panel. Agreed another
architect, "Taking lawyers on board is a good sign, unless they defend
builders or have stakes in the building sector. The panel could still
be strengthened by including an architect, social engineer and
environmentalist. The committee needs people who would stand for the
environment and social engineering."
]]>
Govt reminded on expert panel to review TCP Acttag:savegoa.com,2010://1.4102010-07-10T07:47:17Z2010-07-11T08:21:08ZHerald 10 July 2010 The Goa Bachao Abhiyan said the Government continues to flip flop on its assurances and till date it has failed to constitute an expert committee headed by the Secretary (Town and Country Planning) for reviewing and...
Herald
10 July 2010
The Goa Bachao Abhiyan said the Government continues to flip flop on its assurances and till date it has failed to constitute an expert committee headed by the Secretary (Town and Country Planning) for reviewing and replacing the defunct TCP Act 1974.
TCP Act 1974 with a new model TCP Act circulated by the Government of India was envisioned through an appropriate review by the said committee that would also have eminent lawyers and legal officers of Law and Legislative departments assisted by officers of the TCP department and members of the civil society organisations involved in legal/planning processes.
It made a case with the to-be-formed review committee for deleting the vagaries of the current act stating the same encouraged opportunism such as amendments to Sections 16 & 16A of the Goa TCP Act, 1974 made in 2008.
To this effect, the letter urged the CM, to include in the committee, besides lawyers and Government servants, prominent members of civil society who have a record of public service in the area of Panchayati Raj, modern methods of planning, environment, architecture, civil engineering and civil laws relating to land ownership, tenancy, rent control and other similar aspects relating to land use.]]>
Govt’s failure to release RP a slap on society, says GBAtag:savegoa.com,2010://1.4092010-07-01T05:52:22Z2010-07-02T06:09:37ZHerald July 1,2010 GBA demands a freeze on FAR Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) has said that the State government’s failure to release Regional Plan 2021 is a slap on the face of the society....
Herald
July 1,2010
GBA demands a freeze on FAR
Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA) has said that the State government’s failure to release Regional Plan 2021 is a slap on the face of the society.
Digambar Kamat had assured to have RP 2021 in phases beginning with two talukas – Pernem and Canacona.
“After we protested on June 11, the government announced the release of these two taluka plans by the end of this month. Even the Town and Country Planning Department last week confirmed that the RP for Canacona and Pernem taluka is almost ready,” Sabina Martins GBA convenor told reporters on Thursday evening.
She alleged that inspite of the assurance to complete the work within six months, the State government has not come out with a single plan in the last three months.
“This is a slap on the face of the society,” Martins stated.
As such, GBA has demanded a freeze on FAR to 50 or what has been referred to as VP3 in the draft RP 2021 until the plan is finalised.
Martins said that the housing schemes are meant to deduct open spaces of 15 per cent and roads 20 per cent from their area calculable for FAR as a part of good planning. “This rule having been widely flouted so far has been the reason why overbuilt mega housing has emerged as an eyesore with the dense packing of apartments,” she said.
Martins said that GBA would urge the Opposition party to take up the matter in the coming monsoon session. “We have been always pressing for the same,” she said.
However, GBA Secretary Reboni Saha alleged that at the time of finalisation of RP 2011, BJP had also dirtied their hands. “All the 40 legislators were beneficiaries of faulty RP,” she maintained. When asked, Martins said that the RP issue will be taken up even in the forthcoming Valpoi bye-election.]]>
Activists say Flying Squad didn’t entertain complaint.tag:savegoa.com,2010://1.4072010-06-28T15:51:21Z2010-06-29T17:40:10ZHerald June 28,2010 Representatives of Village Groups of Goa, Goa Heritage Action Group and Utt Goenkara bitterly complained that the much-touted Flying Squad constituted to look into illegal hill-cuttings and filling up of low-lying areas had refused to entertain their...
Village Groups of Goa, Goa Heritage Action Group and Utt Goenkara bitterly complained that the much-touted Flying Squad constituted to look into illegal hill-cuttings and filling up of low-lying areas had refused to entertain their complaint on Monday.]]>
mangroves being cut and a portion of land being filled up by unknown people.
Prajal Sakhardande of Utt Goenkara said they called the Flying Squad to bring to their notice the mangrove cutting and filling activity. “We fear the area is being filled up to make way for a residential complex. The deputy collector has told us he was aware of the matter and if he didn’t act they were free to come and protest at his office.
Sakhardande said a zopadpatti was slowly taking shape in the area and spoiling the whole character of the place.
When contacted Member Secretary of Goa Costal Zone Management Authority Michael D’Souza said he had already reported the matter to the deputy collector Sabaji Shetye. “I have asked him to verify who is involved. I will get back to him on this soon,” he assured.
After highlighting the mangrove cutting, the members of the groups moved to the Kadamba Plateau, near Old Goa, to highlight the danger to a wall and arch of a Portuguese-era fort and a 11th century Kadamba-period stone paving.
Prajal, who is also a historian and lecturer, said he feared the fort wall and stone paving called ‘rajbid' (meaning royal highway) abutting the former was in danger of being annihilated by construction activity. This royal highway was the ancient trade route during the Kadamba period and is a part of our heritage that has to be saved at any cost, he asserted. ]]>
RP2021 HALF TIME, NO SHOWtag:savegoa.com,2010://1.4062010-06-08T18:24:13Z2010-06-09T18:27:58Z8th June 2010 The GBA takes stock of the dismal performance of the Government progress of the Regional Plan 2021 and protection of environment and people’s rights....
8th June 2010
The GBA takes stock of the dismal performance of the Government progress of the Regional Plan 2021 and protection of environment and people’s rights.
Regional Plan Deadlines ( Since 2008 and counting ):
Three months have passed since March 4th when the CM assured the people of Goa that the Regional Plan 2021 would be out in 6 months. Today even as the Government adds the Regional Plan 2021 as a ‘Peoples’ Plan’ in a report card of its achievements, it has not got anything to show for it!
ODP 2011 vs RP2021 confusion:
The ODP’s of major municipalities still function independently from the Regional Plan 2021, in what seems like one plan for the politicians and the other for the people! The GBA demands ‘One Goa, One Plan’ where Eco Zones are protected uniformly.
Eco Zone Protection:
Three months have passed since 4th March when assurances for a freeze on construction on ‘Eco-Zones’ and action on ensuing violations was made. The Government has instead notified a ‘Committee for review’ of construction on ‘Eco-Zones’ based on the RP2001, with no mention of ‘Freezing construction’. Rampant illegal mining, hill cutting and filling of fields continues. In essence this is a time waste, allowing illegalities to thrive until the State machinery has delayed it long enough.
Changing the TCP Act 1974:
Despite announcements, there is still no notification on the new commission to re-work the outdated Goa TCP Act of 1974 to stem the rot that amendment 16&16A has started, and to include peoples’ participation using the 73rd & 74th amendment to the Constitution along with the current Regional Plan.
Violations:
After the marathon ‘official’ meeting with secretary to the CM, Mr. Yaduvanshi and village groups on the 21st April and clear presentation of violations, there has been no report regarding action taken in each case. The much touted 24x7 flying squad has a sketchy record of not responding to calls especially after office hours, and has been left toothless with no powers to file FIR’s against offenders. The power to file FIR’s ironically lies with the TCP Department, their questionable practices being the reason for such a breakdown of law and order in the first place.
GBA has decided to continue with protests to highlight the Government failure of its commitment to the people and insist that the people’s demands be met.
GBA calls for concerned citizens to "STAND UP, FORM A CHAIN IN THE RAIN ",
protesting Government inaction on friday 11th June, 3.30pm onwards from Mandovi Hotel median towards the Old Secretariat, Panaji.
]]>
Govt delaying RP 2021 to facilitate illegalities: GBAtag:savegoa.com,2010://1.4052010-06-08T09:07:58Z2010-06-09T09:17:26ZHERALD June 8, 2010 Accusing the Government of buying time to finalise the Regional Plan 2021, the Goa Bachao Abhiyan has urged village groups and concerned citizens to join them to form a human chain starting from Mandovi Hotel in...
Goa Bachao Abhiyan has urged village groups and concerned citizens to join them to form a human chain starting from Mandovi Hotel in the capital city this Friday, June 11, from 4 to 6 pm.]]>
Sabina Martins said this protest in the midst of the monsoon season is called “chain in the rain” and all those concerned about their State are free to join to lodge their protest.
Martins said from now on GBA has planned a series of protests till the Government finalises the RP 2021. But at the pace at which the process of finalisation was going on it doesn’t appear that the plan will be finalised.
She said they were assured the taluka plans for Pernem and Canacona would be finalised by March 31, 2010, but more than two months have passed and there is no sign. It is learnt that it will take another two to three weeks, she mentioned.
Treasurer GBA Annand Madganvkar expressed fears that the finalisation of RP 2021 was being unnecessarily delayed to facilitate a number of building projects lined up. It may be because there is a strong provision in the RP 2021 to save eco-sensitive zones which is not there in RP 2001 presently in force, he mentioned.
Martins said assurances of March 4, 2010 by the CM to freeze constructions in eco-sensitive zones have all but vanished. The Government has instead notified a committee for review of construction in eco zones with no mention of freezing the same.
“Rampant illegal mining, hill cutting and filling of fields continue. In reality the Government was buying time to finalise the RP to allow illegalities for long enough,” she maintained.
She said despite announcements there was still no notification on the new commission to rework the outdated Town and Country Planning Act of 1974 to stem the rot set in by amendments 16 and 16A. There is no will to include peoples’ participation by bringing in 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution along with the current RP, she stated.]]>
Rising sea could swallow Goa: Greenstag:savegoa.com,2010://1.4032010-06-06T08:59:40Z2010-06-08T09:07:47ZHERALD June 6,2010 Goa’s existence from the map would be wiped off if the current trend of sea-level rise continues, said a renowned environmentalist. “With the current trend of sea level rise, Goa will soon meet the fate of Dvarka,”...
Dr Kasturi Dessai.]]>
It’s not possible to predict when the entire State will be submerged as sea-level rise is a slow process. It will slowly and steadily erode the shoreline,” she feels.
“By 2050 and 2080 if the sea level would rise by 38 and 59 meters respectively, then Goa would lose maximum percentage of its land and its population,” an article in the book on ‘Global warming and climatic change’ by Dr Desh Bandhu has claimed.
Dr Dessai was addressing a panel discussion on a theme ‘Climatic change and biodiversity’ on the occasion of World Environment Day and the International Year of Biodiversity, organised by the Center for Environment Education (CEE) at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO).
Dr Unnikrishnan, an NIO scientist, said that thermal expansion in the ocean, melting of glaciers and ice are mainly attributed to global warming and global sea level rise.“About Goa, a lot needs to be studied and examined. The sea-level rise has affected large portions of landhere but to what extent it will lead in future can’t be predicted at the moment ,” he said replying to a question.
Dr Baban Ingole also pointed out that the increasing sea-level rise has a long term impact on mangrove plantations in the State. “As it’s a slow process, the impact is not visible. But mangroves, which are a hinter-tidal plants wont be in a stage to expose themselves as they require low tide,” he explained.
During the discussion, Dr Dessai, who has done several studies on sand dunes across the State, said that large number of sand dune vegetation throughout the State has been destroyed due to tourism activities, which are mushrooming along the coast.
“To give way to tourism development, vegetations on sand dunes have been cleared. In 2009, when I conducted a survey, I found that almost all the vegetations were cleaned and the dunes were open,” she said.
When asked whether, the sand-filled geotubes are the only option to protect the heavily eroded beach stretch, Dr Dessai said that the geotubes are not a supplement for vegetation.
“Candolim and Keri beach are supplemented with geotubes, which is not a solution. And as such I feel that in next five years, the entire Goa coast will be full of geotubes and no plantation,” he predicted.
However, Minister for Environment, Alexio Sequeria said that the State government was forced to take up the idea of geotubes at Candolim, which is affected with River Princess.
“If the vessel still continues over there, it will wipe out the shore,” he said.
Other members present for the panel discussion were Professor B S Jangode, Agriculture University, Shirshi, Pankaj Kudtadkar, and Sandeep Azrekar.
Director of Science and Technology Micheal D’Souza and the Chairman of the Goa State Pollution Control Board Dr Simon D’Souza were also present during the occasion.]]>
Centre should decide on Goa as tiger reserve: Filipe Neritag:savegoa.com,2010://1.4022010-06-06T08:54:29Z2010-06-08T09:08:42ZHERALD June 4,2010 On the World Environment Day, the environmentalists continue to find it a distant dream to get state’s wildlife sanctuaries declared as a tiger habitat, thanks to the lack of a strong political will....
World Environment Day, the environmentalists continue to find it a distant dream to get state’s wildlife sanctuaries declared as a tiger habitat, thanks to the lack of a strong political will.]]>
brushed aside his responsibility bluntly saying “it's for the Centre to declare state as tiger reserve”.
Environmentalist, Rajendra Kerkar, just before the census in April, 2010 had rightly predicted that the animal census will give the clear picture of tiger presence in the state.
Kerkar said that the protection of sanctuaries like Mhadei, Netravali and Bhagwan Mahaveer will provide continuous corridor to this wild animal connecting neighbouring Maharashtra and Karnataka states.
He said that the demand to declare Mhadei wildlife sanctuary as tiger reserve exists since 1999 but the state government does not care about it.
Meanwhile, environmentalist Nirmal Kulkarni, known for his eco-columns in newspapers, offered no comments when this reporter contacted him.
“It’s useless to comment….we are been fighting for long…no use,” he said in a disgust.
Along with environmentalists, NGO’s like Nisarga, Mission Green, Goa Foundation, and others are always pressing for declaration of these sanctuaries as tiger reserves so that the mining companies are kept at a distance from where even if they want, they can’t peep into it. However, the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (APCCF) Dr Shashi Kumar feels it’s irrelevant to link mining with tiger reserves.
“But, there need to be proper evidences to prove it. The recent census has shown some indirect evidences but has not given the clear picture. The tigers that we see here, is just the reason of overflowing population from neighbouring states,” Dr Kumar maintained.
The forest department records confirmed that the census held in 2002 had counted presence of four tigers in the state based on pugmarks and other related signs of the wild beast.
]]>
A decade on, Princess removal still a distant dreamtag:savegoa.com,2010://1.4042010-06-05T09:10:03Z2010-06-08T09:14:25ZHERALD June 5,2010 When a 240-metre long ore carrier ran aground off the Candolim coast on a stormy night on June 6, 2000, no one would have expected the ship to remain at the site for the next ten years....
240-metre long ore carrier ran aground off the Candolim coast on a stormy night on June 6, 2000, no one would have expected the ship to remain at the site for the next ten years.]]>
Agnelo Fernandes said: “The work on the tenders has begun, but it will take time which is very unfortunate for the villagers of Candolim. Hopefully, the process will be expedited at a later stage to get rid of the stranded vessel.”
“The government is least bothered about the damage to the environment or sufferings of the people. They are, however, quick to make rosy speeches about efforts being made to remove the River Princess,” he added.
In 2001, the government passed the Goa Tourist Places (protection and maintenance) Act, 2001 in a bid to remove the River Princess.
Two years later, the government passed an order claiming that Salgaocar Mining Industries Ltd had forfeited vessel and that the ship was now vested with the government.
The government then issued tenders to remove the ship and though the US-based Smith International bagged the tender, it claimed the time-period to remove the ship was too short and eventually turned down the tender. Crosschem International Ltd of UK then bagged the tender, but was unable to remove the ship.
In 2006, the government appoints Jaisu Shipping Pvt Ltd from Gujarat to remove the ship within a period of 90 days, but the company too failed to honour the contract within the initial deadline.]]>
Meeting on World Environment Day, 05 June, 2010tag:savegoa.com,2010://1.3972010-06-05T07:43:13Z2010-06-08T07:47:29Z5th June 2010 On World Environment Day, 05 June, 2010, a meeting has been called by GBA and like-minded groups and individuals at 4.30 pm at the Tristao Braganza-Cunha Memorial hall, near Azad Maidan, Panaji to chalk a plan of...
Freeze on constructions in ecosensitive zones marked in draft RP2021" while the RP2021 gets ready.]]>
flying squads, committee to examine constructions on ecosensitive zones of RP2001 marked as settlement and industrial zones, heritage zone protection committee[all notified in the Official Gazette of Goa dated 27 May, 2010]; and the fourth order on committee to review TCP Act, which is not notified but announced.
The government has not yet issued any orders to freeze constructions on ecosensitive zones.
The GBA strongly condemns the delaying tactics adopted by the Goa Government and the Goa Administration alike to frustrate the genuine demands of the citizens.
The Government of Goa continues to drag its feet even on finalising the Regional Plan 2021, in spite of its pious assurances on 27 March, 2010 in the Goa Legislative Assembly to complete it in six months. Three months have passed and the Government has nothing to declare. Committees are being constituted to delay, not expedite, the matter as can be seen from the absence of any time line or plan of action for these committees.
On World Environment Day stock of the damage to the environment will be done due to rampant hill cutting , landfilling, tree felling etc and the future course of agitation will be charted out to press for the demands.
Dr Sabina Martins
Convenor GBA
]]>
Fomento’s Sonsodo works to be assessed during monsoons: PCBtag:savegoa.com,2010://1.4012010-06-04T08:40:21Z2010-06-08T08:43:57ZHERALD June 4,2010 The Goa Pollution Control Board on Friday said that Fomento has implemented certain measures at Sonsodo by covering the dump yard with tarpaulin and construction of tanks to collect lechate, but added that whether the measures would...
covering the dump yard with tarpaulin and construction of tanks to collect lechate, but added that whether the measures would serve the purpose would be known only during the monsoons.]]>
appears to be, but we must see how it remains during the monsoons. Tarpaulin cover should remain”.
The inspection was carried out as the matter concerning Sonsodo is pending in the court and the Board was called to prepare a report on the ground reality and ensure that there’s no seepage of leachate in the ground. He said Fomento has compacted the dumping site, adding there is less possibility of the tanks collapsing during the monsoons.
Fomento’s Chief Executive Officer Shridhar Kamat said the Pollution Control Board has inspected whether the company has covered the dump yard with tarpaulin and built tanks for collection of leachate waters.
“One thing is clear that we have covered the site with tarpaulin, the surface drains and the three leachate tanks are ready. We will use only two leachate tanks, each with a capacity of 50,000 litres, and will use the third tank if required”, Kamat said.
Kamat said the company is full geared up to meet any eventuality. “We have deployed a machinery for aeration. There are 30 labourers engaged at the site. There would not be any problem of leachate this monsoons”, Kamat said.]]>
VGG visits ‘controversial’ projects at Sancoaletag:savegoa.com,2010://1.4002010-06-04T08:34:46Z2010-06-08T08:40:01ZHERALD June 4,2010 Activists of the Villagers Group of Goa (VGG) on Saturday visited various controversial real estate projects at Sancoale on the occasion of World Environment Day....
Villagers Group of Goa (VGG) on Saturday visited various controversial real estate projects at Sancoale on the occasion of World Environment Day.]]>
private forest land has been converted to accommodate a hotel project.
The VGG activities expressed shock that the Mormugao Planning Development Authority (MPDA) had allowed the builder to convert a green zone into settlement zone.
They later went to inspect a mega housing project of a noted Vasco-based builder, who is a close associate of a minister, which is coming up near the MES College.
Their final stop was at Matvem-Dabolim, where a portion of a hill has been cut for a proposed approach road leading to a hill-top real estate project.
However, the MPDA has issued a show-cause notice to the builder to stop barbed fencing following a complaint from Edwin Mascarenhas.
Interestingly, most projects are being built on eco-sensitive land and are facing either the Zuari River or Arabian Sea.
“Enough is enough. The government has to curb such blatant violations that have endangered the ecology of the State. Tourists are attracted to Goa because of its natural beauty and not the concert jungles,” said VGG Convener Joao Philip Pereira.
Edwin Mascarenhas alleged that the ODP of Mormugao taluka had been planned as per the whims and fancies of real estate sharks and accused the TCP of failing to act on illegalities of the builders.
Others present during the site visits included Prajal Sakardande, Simon Carvalho, Rui Araujo, Carmen Miranda, Frankey Monteiro, Audoot Naik and other activists. ]]>
CSJP calls for efforts to save environmenttag:savegoa.com,2010://1.3992010-06-04T07:55:42Z2010-06-08T07:59:41ZHERALD June 4,2010 The Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP) has stated that irrational policies, unscrupulous urbanisation of villages, especially in the coastal belt, and blatant abuse of the natural resources have contributed significantly to global warming and climate...
irrational policies, unscrupulous urbanisation of villages, especially in the coastal belt, and blatant abuse of the natural resources have contributed significantly to global warming and climate change in the State.]]>
efforts must be made to prevent pollution of air, water-bodies and soil as well as to protect all eco-sensitive zones in the State.
‘June 5 is dedicated to World Environment Day and was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, following the UN Conference on ‘Human Environment’.
The observation of this day is a clarion call to us all, as individuals or members of any Institution or Organisation to pay our debt to the Planet Earth which gives us life and its sustenance,’ stated CSJP executive Secretary Fr Maverick Fernandes.
‘Many of the natural resources of the Earth are limited and non renewable. Rampant cutting of hills, forests, mangroves, limitless excavation of mineral ores on one hand, sand on the other and quarrying has already destroyed the natural balance and eco cycles.’
‘In Goa irrational policies, unscrupulous urbanisation of villages especially in the coastal belt, blatant abuse of the natural resources contribute significantly to Global warming and climate change. This devastation must be curbed at all costs,’ the CSJP message stated.
People have also been advised to avoid the use of plastic, to segregate garbage, learn composting or organise community effort even in small plots in their area.
Farmers should also be encouraged to till fallow fields and to avoid pesticides and insecticides.
“We must be convinced that to save our children, we need to make concerted efforts here and now.
It is the responsibility of each and every citizen to seek small and big measures. Let us all fulfill our duty, willingly and with enthusiasm. This is the eco-spirituality we must accept and foster,” added the CSJP message.
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