PANAJI: Construction work on the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) project at Dhargalim has been initiated in the state, without the project having been given any environment clearance.
A request for approval for the project was received by the Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (Goa-SEIAA) only last month, following which an inspection of the site was scheduled.
The violation in construction of the central government-funded project came to light during the inspection. The Goa-SEIAA has reserved its decision to grant any permissions until an environment impact assessment is carried out.
“Project proponent to submit environment impact assessment report for causing destruction to environment as the construction has already started without obtaining prior environment clearance and hence it is a case of violation,” the Goa-SEIAA noted at its meeting.
The foundation stone for the All India Institute of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy was laid by then Ayush minister Shripad Naik in November 2018. But environmental clearances are being sought now.
The institute, under the ministry of Ayush, is coming up in an area of 2 lakh sqm.
“The authority had conducted site inspection of the proposed site on August 17, wherein it was noted that the project proponent has not complied with additional entry and exit gates, considering the emergency and disaster, which cannot be ruled out,” the Goa-SEIAA stated at its meeting held last month.
Earlier, the State Environment Impact Assessment Committee (SEIAC) had already asked for a detailed assessment of the environmental impact of the project. The committee has said that any trees being planted as part of the project should be of indigenous species. The project proponent has been asked to consult the Goa State Biodiversity Board on the choice of trees.
Now the Goa-SEIAA has also said that plantation of trees at the site should be necessarily carried out in consultation with Goa State Biodiversity Board.
“Project proponent to provide appropriate sewage treatment plant facility for labourers’ hutment engaged at the construction site,” the Goa-SEIAA has stated.
The first phase of the national institute will be built at a cost of almost Rs 300 crore and at full capacity, it will have 500 seats on offer for students covering different programmes.
