EIA study suggests public hearing for Chorao bridge

Panaji: The environment impact assessment (EIA) report for the Salvador do Mundo to Chorao bridge has stated that construction of a bridge is a permissible activity in CRZ I-A and in CRZ-III or no development zone. However, the report has recommended that a public hearing should be held for all stakeholders and the residents of the two villages to “the address their concerns and suggestions”.

The report was submitted before the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA). The report also states that construction of the bridge will require removal of 621 mangrove trees.

The project has evoked mixed reactions from villagers with some opposing it and others supporting the bridge requirement.

The GCZMA has now sought a detailed presentation on the project from the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC). The GSIDC has sought an NoC from the coastal authority for construction of the bridge as the area falls within the CRZ.

The bridge is being built over the Mapusa river to connect the two villages.

The GSIDC has proposed an arch structure with a bridge length of 1.6km, besides 429m of approach road on Salvador do Mundo side and 234m of approach road on the Chorao end. The GCZMA said that the bridge will comprise 20 pillars.

“Pillar number P13 and P14 will become the two main pillars of the bridge to be constructed in the riverine area by the side of the river banks where mangroves are present and the area falls in CRZ III river/creek NDZ as per CZMP 2011,” GSIDC told the coastal body.

The EIA has said that no construction debris should be disposed of in the CRZ area and the bridge should not affect the flow of the river water.

“The environment management plan should be implemented effectively. The mangrove plantation should be carried out in consultation with the biodiversity board and the forest department,” the EIA stated.

In the 2023 state budget, Rs 250 crore were earmarked for the construction of the Salvador do Mundo-Chorao bridge.

Recently, the GSIDC invited bids for the project at Rs 274.8 crore.

A bridge through Salvador do Mundo or Ribandar was proposed over three decades ago. The first tender called for the project was for Rs 141 crore in late 2013.
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