Arossim project stalled over missing technical clearance

Panaji: Bombay high court has stated that Goa Inn Pvt Ltd does not possess any valid technical clearance from the town planner and hence no construction can proceed at the site without obtaining such clearance.

The residents of Arossim approached the high court challenging the March 2020 technical clearance granted by TCP Mormugao and sought a survey of sand dunes proposed for the project.

During the hearing the GCZMA informed the court that its NOCs of 2013 and 2017 had expired and any construction would require a fresh approval while counsel for the company argued the licence remains valid.

The court observed that the issue of whether the NOCs dated April 8 2013 and March 10 2017 are valid or expired is disputed and said if the company applies for a fresh NOC the authority must notify and hear the petitioners before deciding.

It further said that if the company challenges the claim that the NOCs have expired it must make the petitioners parties to such proceedings.

The court directed the concerned forum to decide the matter in accordance with law after granting the petitioners an opportunity of hearing.

Residents said the project site includes sand dunes that are neither identified nor protected and are proposed to be levelled for construction, violating the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2011, which bars development in CRZ-I areas.

They added that the technical clearance was renewed without complying with National Green Tribunal orders of Sept 24, 2020, to identify and safeguard low-lying areas and water bodies in Arossim, though 4,720 sq metres is a paddy field.

Petitioners warned this raises serious environmental concerns and urged strict adherence to coastal norms.