Panaji, Jun 30: Senior Congress leader and former Panaji Mayor Surendra Furtado has criticised the BJP government for allegedly fast-tracking environmental clearance for a proposed L-shaped jetty opposite the Old Secretariat on the Mandovi river through a Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), demanding a comprehensive study and public consultation before the project is approved.

Reacting to reports that the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has recommended the project to the Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Furtado questioned the decision to rely on a Rapid EIA instead of a full Environmental Impact Assessment.

He said the Mandovi is Panaji’s ecological and heritage lifeline and argued that a full EIA, conducted across all seasons, was essential to properly assess the environmental impact. According to him, the SEIAA should reject the recommendation based on the three-month Rapid EIA and instead order a detailed study covering the monsoon season.

Furtado also questioned the purpose of the proposed 25-metre plus 15-metre L-shaped RCC jetty. While the River Navigation Department has stated that it is meant for public use, he pointed out that the site lies within Panaji’s casino belt and sought clarity on whether the infrastructure is intended for traditional ferry users and fishermen or private yachts and casino visitors. He demanded that the government make public the project’s traffic study and passenger data before spending public funds.

Expressing doubts over the EIA’s finding that no mangroves or coastal vegetation were observed at the site, Furtado claimed that fresh mangrove growth is commonly visible along the Mandovi riverbanks after the onset of the monsoon. He said his team would document the site and alleged that the environmental assessment could be flawed if mangroves currently exist.

The former mayor also demanded a public hearing before the project is approved, clarification on whether the Heritage Committee has granted permission for the proposed construction within the Old Secretariat heritage precinct, and consultation with traditional fishermen to ensure their access and existing facilities are not affected.

Stating that he was speaking from his experience as a four-term Mayor and seven-time Corporator of Panaji, Furtado said development should be transparent and prioritise the interests of Goans.

He further announced that an RTI application would be filed on Thursday seeking copies of the Rapid EIA report, Environmental Management Plan and the minutes of the GCZMA meeting related to the project.