HomeNew UrbanismCircular EconomyBambolim Project EC Decision Deferred by SEAC

Bambolim Project EC Decision Deferred by SEAC

The Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee (Goa-SEAC) has postponed its decision on granting Environmental Clearance (EC) to a commercial construction project at Bambolim, citing unresolved safety concerns and pending compliance issues. The project, proposed by a private development firm, had earlier been issued a stop-work order for initiating construction without prior EC approval.

At its June 16 meeting, the Goa-SEAC ordered immediate backfilling at the Bambolim project site to protect the eastern public road and northern structures. The directive follows a report by Goa Engineering College (GEC), which identified structural risks and recommended urgent stabilisation. GEC stressed the need for a permanent retaining wall and backfilling to relieve pressure on shoring piles and prevent further instability in the already vulnerable excavation zones.

According to the report, the construction site shows signs of instability near existing shoring piles, raising alarms over road and structural safety. GEC advised that a permanent retaining structure be built without delay and that soil backfilling be undertaken to reduce stress on temporary shoring, thereby ensuring short-term stability.The commercial project has faced public scrutiny since its proposal, with concerns raised over unapproved land-use conversion, suspected aquifer damage, and alleged large-scale hill-cutting.

The committee minutes noted, “The backfilling work should be carried out under the supervision of GEC to safeguard public infrastructure and nearby structures.” SEAC also confirmed that it is reviewing other aspects raised by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) concerning the project’s compliance.

Last year, the SEAC controversially recommended converting the land use from residential to commercial use despite earlier inspections indicating possible environmental breaches. The EC application for the project remains pending. Until then, further construction activities at the site are suspended, pending adherence to safety directives and environmental compliance protocols as recommended by the SEAC and GEC.

The SEIAA issued a stop-work order after local residents and stakeholders objected to what they described as violations of environmental safeguards. Reports alleged that deep excavation activities might have ruptured natural aquifers, impacting the area’s water table and triggering environmental degradation.

In response to mounting protests and expert concerns, the Town and Country Planning Department also issued a parallel stop-work notice. Several complaints have since been submitted to authorities, including the Water Resources Department, citing environmental damage and procedural irregularities.

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Bambolim Project EC Decision Deferred by SEAC
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