CAVELOSSIM: NGO Cavelossim Villagers Forum (CVF) flayed the recent World Environment Day celebrations held in the coastal village terming it an ‘eyewash’ and questioned the implementation of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order of restoration of the sand dunes by the Cavelossim Village Panchayat as no joint inspection had been fixed to assess ‘the ongoing restoration work.’
CVF convenor and social activist Iris Passanha said, “Cavelossim Villagers Forum fought to protect and save the environment. We filed complaints in the year 2014 against Sai Champion involved in the total destruction of whole property in non-development zone (NDZ) area including sand dunes.
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“Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) and village panchayat had permitted these ‘illegalities’ and continuously supported the violator during the course of our matter in the NGT. Two different orders were granted against Sai Champion and Siloam Trade Associates Pvt Ltd. for demolition of ‘illegal’ structures in the said property and in 2020, NGT order for restoration. Thereby, disposing the original application. However, restoration is not completed as mud filled destroying the sand dunes are not restored to its original position”, he said.
Passanha further added that this was the first order wherein illegal structures were demolished but not fully implemented as Sai Champion filed a writ petition in the high court. Immediately, while the matter was pending, they again reconnected the area facing the sea in the name of Shilpam Trade Associates Pvt Ltd. and started ‘illegal’ business activities which were demolished by another order from the NGT.
“During the course of hearing, a bailable warrant was issued against the expert members because of their involvement in ‘illegalities’. Based on GCZMA reports, directions were given to pay for restoration work. This is the final order for restoration. However, restoration work is not completed,” said Passanha.
