1. Heard.
2. The Applicant alleges non-compliance of conditions of the Coastal Regulation Zone Clearance dated 01.12.2015 issued by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) for construction of a four/six lane bridge across the river Zuari on National Highway-17. It is alleged that construction debris are being disposed off in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas, Mangrove Conservation and Management Plan have not been provided prior to commencement of work at site, there is failure to monitor Ambient Air Quality, noise level and the ground and surface water required to be done throughout the construction phase and to be prominently displayed at the site. It is further alleged that construction is being carried out by reclaiming CRZ-I areas and that there is indiscriminate felling of mangroves in order to carry out ancillary activities which are in violation of the Clearance. Although the Environment Clearance (EC) granted is only for the “bridge” component of the project, work has been commencement with also in respect of the “elevated approaches” for which no prior CRZ Clearance has been obtained.
3. Considering the facts and circumstances briefly stated above, we are satisfied that substantial question of environment arises in the case.
4. Issue notice, returnable in three weeks.
5. The Applicant to furnish requisites within one week from hence.
6. In the meanwhile, we constitute a Committee comprising of (i) the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority, (ii) the Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA-GOA), and (iii) the Goa Pollution Control Board (GPCB), who shall inspect the project in question, verify on the factual aspects and each of the issues raised by the Applicant in the original application and submit a report.
7. The GCZMA shall be the nodal agency for co-ordinating and for providing logistic support.
8. In the event if any of the allegations stated in the application are found to be correct, the Respondent No. 1 is at liberty to take appropriate action in accordance with law.
9. Separate action taken report be filed by the GCZMA to this Tribunal through e-mail at judicial-ngt@gov.in, before the next date with advance copy on the other side.
10. Copies of the O.A. and this order shall be furnished to the aforesaid authorities by the Applicant within one week from hence.
11. List on 10.10.2019.