Affidavit-in-reply by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) in the matter of Dattaprasad Prabhu Goankar Vs Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority & Others.

The application was filed by Dattaprasad Prabhu Goankar on the following grounds:

1. Non-compliance of conditions in coastal zone regulation (CRZ) September 28, 2015 granted for construction of Canacona National Highway Bypass on National Highway-17. This involved construction of 3 bridges over Talpona river, Galgibag river and Maxim cree.

2. Non-compliance of conditions in NOC September 1, 2017 granted by the GCZMA for felling of mangroves and putting up of sound and light barriers on Mashem bridge

3. Non-compliance of conditions in NOC April 30, 2019 granted by the GCZMA for temporary earth filling in Galpibag river

The report by GCZMA informed the NGT that the project was completed on November 29, 2019. The GCZMA had been continuously monitoring the work of the construction of Mashem Bridge.

The project proponent had removed the mud which was put to facilitate the construction of the bridge. With respect to non-compliance of condition in NOC September 1, 2019 the GCZMA has stated that since one section of the project is within 300-500 meters from the turtle nesting site - restriction with lighting to cover from the seaward and no horn zone was imposed while granting permission. The project proponent has partially complied to this condition and has planted mangroves.