NGOs gun for govt over development in reclaimed areas (ToI)

Karsten Miranda,TNN | Jan 8, 2014, 01.34 AM IST MARGAO: Reiterating their demand for the ban on filling up of low-lying areas with mud, Goa Bachao Abhiyan (GBA), in view of the recent Canacona building collapse tragedy, called for a ban on all construction activity in reclaimed areas. Speaking to TOI on Monday, GBA convener Sabina Martins explained that the land being termed as reclaimed, are eco-sensitive zones and thus there is no question of filling up such lands and then carrying out construction work on them. A GBA team will be visiting the site of the collapsed building at Chaudi, Canacona, on Tuesday and has also sought an appointment with the government to discuss its demands for the protection of such eco-sensitive areas. "It is the duty of the authorities to prevent any illegal land filling of low-lying areas and no authority should give permission for the same. This can have consequences such as flooding and we have had a clear example in the recent past with the Uttarakhand floods which should serve as a lesson to all of us," added Araujo. Activist Soter D'Souza said that by and large, construction on reclaimed areas should not be encouraged as Goa is very eco-sensitive but added that there should not be a blanket ban. "Permission should be given only under a thorough scientific study of the area, and that too, only if it's needed- for very essential development purposes. It can only be considered after studying the impact valuation. We also need to study the social impact as far as livelihood is concerned," added D'Souza. Martins termed the statements by chief minister Manohar Parrikar-about inspecting buildings that have come up in reclaimed areas for structural stability- as an act of the government shedding crocodile tears. Martins added that there was no essential need for residential complexes to come up on reclaimed areas and said that there was the case of constructions in Patto Plaza and other such reclaimed areas in Parrikar's constituency (Panaji) which are in danger of sinking into the ground. Both Martins and D'Souza criticized the government's stand on the regional plan. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/NGOs-gun-for-govt-over-development-in-reclaimed-areas/articleshow/28528930.cms