TEAM HERALD
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VASCO: The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal Principal at New Delhi has ordered the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA) to demolish compound walls of the drainage at Non-Mon Saibini Bhat, Kharewado-Vasco.
It may be recalled that NGO Savera President Tara Kerkar, after failing to get justice from local authorities, had approached the National Green Tribunal Principal to seek justice, after accusing the DSYA of converting a water catchment area at Non-Mon Saibini Bhat at Kharewada into a playground. The NGO has finally got justice after almost 10 months.
In its order dated January 6, the Tribunal directed that all structures of the compound walls of the drainage, whether RCC or cement or of any other material, shall be dismantled.
The Tribunal further directed DSYA to clear all the debris and construction material from the site within four weeks. The Tribunal has however directed the DYSA not to remove the earth filling and status quo to that extent shall be maintained.
The order stated that if DSYA decides to seek permission from Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) for any development, the GCZMA should allow the applicant to file representation/objection petition, if any, and also shall give opportunity to the parties for hearing before taking final decision.
“The copies of the final decision should be immediately furnished to the concerned parties including the applicant and DSYA,” states the order.
“Once DSYA receives GCZMA’s decision in its favour, then DSYA should not immediately take any action and will keep the status quo for further period of three weeks,” states the order.
The order further stated that GCZMA will reappraise the issue pertaining to the legality of the proposed project and will examine environmental issue without considering the present consent given by the parties and without any kind of prejudice.
