Construction of road should not result in destruction of biodiversity: NGT on Goa highway

The road is being constructed by the PWD, Goa through Venkata Rao Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd., Caranzalem, Goa

The National Green Tribunal on Wednesday observed that the building of roads should not result in the destruction of biodiversity.

The NGT principal bench headed by its chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said the construction of the road in question should be consistent with the principle of sustainable development, that is, adopting safeguards for protection of wetlands, water bodies, and other environmental resources.

The NGT made this observation while hearing a plea alleging violations of environmental norms in the construction of the balance stretch of Margao National Highway Western Bypass Road in Goa.

“There can be no doubt that water bodies, wetlands, mangroves and other natural resources need to be protected. While construction of a road may be a necessity, such construction should not result in the destruction of biodiversity and other environmental resources, including water bodies and wetlands. Flood plains of river Sal also need to be protected. The studies referred to in the application support the need for such protection,” the bench said.

The NGT also formed a joint committee comprising experts to take stock of the situation and submit a report.

The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by Royla C Fernandes against violations of environmental norms in the construction of balance stretch of Margao National Highway Western Bypass Road through the villages Seraulim to Benaulim, which is 2.75 km from wholesale fish market road Seraulim to Varca road.

The road is being constructed by the PWD, Goa, through private contractors.

According to the plea, the Margao National Highway Western Bypass has already been constructed from Nuvem village up to the Seraulim fish market through Khanzan lands/wetlands and agricultural lands. It is further to be constructed from wholesale fish market road Seraulim to Varca road (Ch. 31/900 to Ch.34/650), south Goa by destroying the large wetlands/khazan lands, agricultural lands, and water bodies, the plea stated.