CAG censures govt over Mandovi carrying capacity (Herald)

October 20, 2013 TEAM HERALD PANJIM: The CAG has pulled up the State government for failing to conduct a study to ascertain the carrying capacity of the Mandovi River, given that it has floating restaurants as well as other traffic like barges and for sustaining such operations. Not conducting environment impact assessment for tourism projects in the hinterland, as well as GCZMA’s action of not framing any policy or regulation for utilization of CRZ III zones along the coastline of the State came for censure. According to the CAG, despite the increasing pressure on River Mandovi due to cruise operations, casinos floating restaurants and barges, the department did not take any action to conduct a study to ascertain the carrying capacity of the river for sustaining such operations. Also stating that the Union government under the provisions of the Environment Protection Act issued Coastal Regulation Zone notification imposing restrictions on industries, operations and processes within coastal stretches of seas, bays, estuaries, creeks rivers and backwaters, which are influenced by tidal action up to 500 mts from high tide line and the land between the low tide line and the HTL. The report said that from 2007 to 2012 a total of 1,172 coastal zone violations were reported of which the GCZMA removed or demolished the encroachments in 105 cases and 6 cases were pending due to court stay orders. The remaining 1,111 violations related to repairs and constructions works carried out by the traditional coastal community without the prior approval of the GCZMA. The High Court issued in March 2008 direction to identify the open plots in the CRZ III zone which were available for construction of hotels and to frame appropriate policy/regulation for utilization before they were being utilized for such construction activity. Audit observed that the work of identifying and delineating the open vacant plots in the zone along the coastline of the State was already entrusted to M/s Remote sensing instruments Hyderabad in 2007 at the coast of Rs 1.92 crore. RSI carried out the task till 1991 when the notification came into force and the structures that came up between 1991 to 2006. It submitted its report in April 2011. The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) GoI issued the new CRZ notifications 2011 in January 2011 defining the requirements and guidelines for development of beach resorts or hotels in the designated areas of CRZ III and CZ II for occupation of tourists or visitors with prior approval of the ministry. However, CAG has pointed out that even after 2 years from the issue of new notification and expenditure of Rs 1.92 crore, the GCZMA has not framed any policy or regulation for the utilization of CRZ 111 zones along the coastline of the State. Non Conduct of environment impact assessment: The Audit observed that 10 tourism infrastructure projects sanctioned by the CFA at a total cost of Rs 238 crore involving construction of jetties, development of tourism circuits did not have Environmental Impact Assessment. As the tourism projects were aimed at development of hinterland, it was essential as Western Ghats is ecologically sensitive and development of tourism should have taken this factor into account, CAG report observed. Environmental degradation by mining: The report highlighted the environmental degradation caused by mining at Harvalem with its waterfalls, ancient temples and scenic view attracted a large number of pilgrims and tourists. The Audit observed that local residents and villagers represented (April 2010 and February 2011) to the department that due to iron ore mining activity near the waterfall, the noise and dust pollution, very few tourists visited the spot. Audit also observed that the representation of locals and villagers was simply forwarded without highlighting the seriousness of the matter to the director of mines. http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/CAG-censures-govt-over-Mandovi-carrying-capacity/80873.html