‘Model shack not novel, can't use cement on beach'
Panaji:
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has asked the special purpose vehicle (SPV) of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) to clarify how sewage treatment will be carried out at the model shack it has proposed to build on the beaches of Colva, Benaulim, Arambol, and Calangute.
The GCZMA has said that the 'innovative' idea is not innovative as GTDC is still using material like steel and cement for the construction.
The GCZMA has called the SPV for a presentation before it to explain the concept and show in its plan how waste will be treated.
'The application is for construction of a model shack, made up of composite bamboo material on beaches. The name 'model shack' suggests that the GTDC has come up with an innovative idea for a shack.
Once this shack is constructed, it will be a model for others to follow. However, the idea is not innovative and along with bamboo, it uses the usual material like mild steel, cement boards etc. The details of sewage/toilet waste treatment are also not provided,' the GCZMA observed at a recent meeting.
The GTDC has said in its proposal that the model shack will be 120sqm in area and has sought a CRZ nod from the GCZMA to construct the temporary model shacks, made of composite bamboo, on four beaches.
However, the coastal body held an inspection and found that part of the plot falls in a no-development zone and part of it within the intertidal zone, while part of it had sand dunes.
After the inspection, GCZMA experts told the GTDC that the shacks should be located outside the intertidal zone and away from sand dunes. There would be no obstruction or fencing around the sand dunes so as to obstruct wind flow, it said. The GTDC has also been told that it will not be allowed to use concrete even if it is only for support of the structure.
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