Proposed Chicalim shipyard stopped

The Coastal Regulatory Zone Management Authority (CRZMA) has clamped down on the controversial shipyard project at Chicalim, near Goa in India, by ordering the stoppage of work, seizure of material and issuing of a ?show cause notice? under the CRZ to the shipyard.

A report by the South Goa Collector indicated that the proposed project was a threat to the ecology and in particular marine life, mangroves and would adversely affect the livelihood of the fishing community. Acting on this report, CRZMA issued orders that the work be stopped immediately under section 5 of the CRZ Act. A ?show cause notice? was also issued to Pinky Shipyard and a hearing is scheduled to be held within the next 10 days.

The Chicalim Villagers Action Committee said that they had also put forth a proposal to the deputy chief minister for declaring Chicalim as Goa?s heritage village since it had various features relating to ecological and archival heritage. The CVAC also impressed on the environment minister to have a study conducted on the $450 million shipyard project and its impact on Goa?s environment.