Panaji: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has granted its nod for the construction of a bridge connecting Chorao island in Tiswadi to Salvador-do-Mundo in Bardez over the Mapusa river. GCZMA said a public hearing can be held by inviting stakeholders and residents, and their concerns and suggestions should be noted regarding the project’s construction.The proposed project has evoked mixed reactions from villagers, with some opposing and others supporting it.The 1.6km arch bridge and approach roads will consist of 20 pillars and will be constructed by the Goa Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC).GCZMA has recommended the project for the Union environment ministry’s approval, after which work can start. It has also levied a fee of Rs 2.5 lakh on GSIDC to scrutinise the project.“The reason behind the proposed construction of the bridge is to give road connectivity on the southern side of the island, which will establish a road link and facilitate free movement and exchange of people and future development of the island,” the GSIDC told the GCZMA about the project.In 2023, the state budget allocated Rs 250 crore for GSIDC for the construction of the Salvador Do Mundo-Chorao bridge.The project falls largely in the khazan, mangrove and mangrove buffer zone. Altogether 621 mangrove trees will have to be removed to build the bridge. While approving the project, GCZMA said GSIDC should carry out mangrove plantation in consultation with the forest department and the Goa State Biodiversity Board.“Pillar numbers 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 GCZMA said the CRZ Notification 2011 states that bridge construction is a permissible activity in CRZ IA and CRZ III (no development zone).“Construction debris should not be disposed of in the CRZ area. The proposed bridge should not obstruct the free flow of water. An environmental management plan should be implemented effectively,” the GCZMA has said in its approval.
