Public Works Department (PWD), has decided development of “Four Laning of Existing Goa/Karnataka Border – Panjim Goa.
The Project Highway is a section of NH-4A (Belgaum-Anmod-Ponda-Panaji) between Anmod and Panjim, passing through villages Mollem, Sangod, Dharbandora, Piliem, Tiska, Candepar, Curti, Ambegal, Veling, Boma, Banastarim, Corlim, Ella, Velha Goa, Ribandar.
It is observed that major ghat portion is from 84kms (Anmod) to 93kms (Mollem) approximately.
The entire stretch of NH-4A lies in the states of Karnataka and Goa provides an important link between NH-4 and NH-17.
As per project proponent, there is only one major bridge and seven minor bridges existing on the project highway.
Forest Land
The proposed project area involves forest land. Section I: 84kms to 96 kms stretch is passing through wild life sanctuary where as a few patches in 96kms to 153.075kms stretch comes under Reserve forest.
Reserve & Private Forest Area is assessed to be 33.17 ha and Bhagwan Mahaveer Wild Life Sanctuary Area is assessed to be 31.01 ha. Hence, Forest land acquisition is greater than 40 ha.
The conditions of Forest diversion laid down as per EIA:
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Compensatory afforestation is compulsory for conversion.
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Afforestation will be done over an equivalent area of non-forest land.
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As far as possible, the non-forest land for compensatory afforestation should be identified contiguous to or in the proximity of Reserved Forest or Protected Forest. If non-forest lands are not available in the same district other non-forest land may be identified elsewhere in the State.
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Where non-forest lands are not available, compensatory afforestation may be carried out over degraded forest twice in extent to the area being diverted.
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Conversion of forest lands that are part of National Parks/Sanctuaries and Tiger Reserve areas (notified under Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972) is not permitted.
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Cutting of trees in non-forest land, irrespective of land ownership, also requires permission from the State Forest Department. Afforestation to the extent of two trees per each tree felled is mandatory.
Tree Felling & Mitigation
measures
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Total 10,000 trees would be removed. Total 20,000 nos. of trees needs to be planted along the project corridor that includes 1965 nos. of trees are to be planted in parking areas, toll gates, bus bays, and truck lay byes. The plants proposed are i.e., Cinamomum camphora, Dalbergia latifolia, Palms, Saraca indica, Sweitenia mahogoni, Tabubea rosea
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The types of plants to be removed are Asan, Rosewood, Bamboo, Khair, Mango, Neem, Cashew, Casuearina, Betel nuts, Coconut and Eucalyptus.
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The short-term impact due to felling of trees will be compensated in long term through the proposed plantation programme.
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The local plant varieties will be identified and the same will be planted along the aqueduct and surrounding areas.
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Avenue Plantation programme shall be promptly adopted to restore and further enrich the loss of vegetation.
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Avenue Plantation with an appropriate mix of indigenous and specially suited species shall be carried out along the corridor.
Mitigation Measures for Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary during Construction Phase:
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Define the construction boundary near Sanctuary peripheral area, and shall be provided with hoarding/notice boards/sign boards for the restriction of movement of construction labourers/local public.
n Construction camps shall be put 10 Kms away from the Wildlife Sanctuary
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Mitigation of man versus animal conflict is going to be the important issue that will threaten wildlife in Sanctuary area
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The construction activity across the reserve forests shall be taken up during day time only.
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Project Authorities shall make periodic visits to meet Forest authorities to obtain their approval/suggestions during construction and operation of the project.
Magnitude of Impact on Structure:
As per preliminary survey it was estimated that about 377 structures consisting of private residential, commercial, government, religious, community and others might be affected by the proposed road. The project affected person may be titleholder or non titleholder e.g., encroacher, squatter, tenant, kiosk owner etc.
About 108 structures belonging to non titleholders were found within existing RoW (Right of Way). Of the 269 Titleholders’ properties, 63 structures owned by religious and government would be affected. Of the total likely to be impacted structures, commercial structures constitute a major chunk.
ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION
MEASURES
The Highway development projects exhibit a symbiotic relationship between the environment and development with both positive and negative and reversible and irreversible impacts.
Impacts of Location: The road stretch has no specific impacts from the location. During this phase, those impacts, which are likely to take place due to the layout of the project, have been assessed.
Impacts Due to Project Design: The engineering design of the road is being prepared incorporating all environmental safeguards.
Impacts During Construction: Since the construction is dependent on the quality and properties of the available material, the choice of material, particularly the management of borrow pits, assumes importance during construction. The proposed project corridor requires raw materials from 10 borrow areas, 2 metal quarries and 2 sand quarries.
Impact on Air Quality
Impacts on air during the construction phase could be due to earth excavation, backfilling and transportation of construction materials, DG (diesel generator) sets, which may lead to rise in air pollution. However, the impact on ambient air quality will not be significant, since the dust and gases generated is confined to the proposed area and as it will be taken care. However, this impact is localized.
Impact on Noise
The impact of noise levels from the project on the neighboring communities would be anticipated with the increase in vehicles and vary with vehicles speed. The increased noise level is attenuated by vegetative noise barriers. (Rows of trees planted).
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The proposed upgradation of existing road into 4 lanes can harmonize with the surrounding environment with the following direct and indirect benefits.
1. The increased road capacity and improved pavements can reduce the travel time and traffic jams. Based on the vehicle population for year 2033, the saving of the fuel consumption per year estimated to be 46604.4 KL, which may have a direct savings of Rs 272.9 crores per year.
2. Due to road widening the noise levels can be reduced to 4-5 dB(A) & air pollutants will also be reduced considerably. Ultimately, this shows positive impact on human health.
3. There will be improvements of the economic growth in the surrounding places due to establishment of more industries, institutions, MNCs and other organizations.
4. There are 200 nos RWHs (Rain Water Harvesting Pits) are proposed either side of the road at an interval of 500m. The proposed RWHs are having dia. of 1.5 m with a depth of 3.8 m.
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Source : Heraldo
