Panaji footbridge, Reis Magos ropeway get GCZMA approval

Panaji: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) at its meeting last month has granted CRZ clearance to a number of tourism related projects, including the footbridge connecting the multi-level parking complex in Panaji to Santa Monica jetty.
The passenger ropeway from Reis Magos to Panaji and temporary jetty behind Aguada Jail museum have also got nod from GCZMA.
Based on the application by the tourism department, GCZMA asked its expert member to carry out site inspection in August for the footbridge connecting the multi-level parking building to Santa Monica jetty.
“The project proponent, K Gandhi Raju, showed the place where the pile foundations are being laid. The foot overbridge is being constructed with the purpose to ease pedestrian movement from the parking area to the jetty. Currently, there is no space for the visitors to cross the road and access the jetty area,” the inspection report stated.
The GCZMA expert member said that the foot overbridge will not require much excavation, except for the pile foundation on either side.
“Near the parking area, there are two trees that need to be cut. It is recommended that proper permission for cutting the trees may be obtained from the Goa forest department. Efforts must be made to transplant these trees to a safer place. The proposal seems to be good in terms of easing the traffic movement, especially pedestrians. The same may be permitted after due deliberation in the authority meeting,” the expert member recommended.
GCZMA accordingly decided to approve the project.
Similarly, the general manager of Goa Tourism Development Corporation sought clearance for the passenger ropeway from Reis Magos to Panaji to allied tourism activities, which was also permitted by the coastal body based on a report by its expert member.
Drishti Cruise Ferries has also been granted NOC for ‘installation of temporary jack-up jetty at Aguada Jail Museum Project’ and at Bogmalo beach.