Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI:The Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (Goa-SEIAA) has approved environmental clearance (EC) for the contentious commercial project by M/s Worldwide Resorts and Entertainment Private Limited at Bambolim, which had previously faced a stop-work order for commencing construction without prior clearance.
The clearance was granted during a SEIAA meeting held on October 10, following recommendations from the Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC). While approving the project, SEIAA has mandated that the developer obtain all necessary permissions from relevant authorities, including the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, and adhere strictly to local building regulations during construction.
In June, the SEAC had directed the project proponent to carry out backfilling work after the Goa Engineering College (GCE) raised concerns regarding the safety of the public road on the eastern side and nearby structures on the northern side. The GCE report emphasized the urgent need for a permanent retaining structure along with backfilling between the new retaining wall and existing shoring piles.
The project, which was recommended for conversion from residential to commercial by SEAC last year, had drawn criticism due to significant hill-cutting and apparent damage to aquifers observed during inspections. Public opposition intensified after St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar protested at the site, citing multiple alleged violations, including excessive excavation that reportedly harmed groundwater structures. Several activists also lodged complaints with authorities such as the Water Resources Department over environmental concerns.
Despite prior protests and regulatory interventions, SEIAA’s latest clearance allows the project to proceed, albeit under strict compliance with safety and legal norms.
