MARGAO: Cavelossim villagers slammed the panchayat for issuing a provisional licence to the owner of the recently-demolished shack project. They questioned how a licence was given when the project violated Coastal Regional Zone (CRZ) norms and warned the local body against such illegal activities in the future.

At a public meeting on Monday, Cavelossim Villagers Forum President Iris Passanha held the panchayat responsible for the CRZ violation and demanded that the entire body be dissolved. However, panchayat members strongly opposed the demand, stating the panchayat had issued a provisional NOC to the trust after following due procedure.

The National Green Tribunal Western Zone Bench had given an exhaustive order against the illegal cottages and shack, which were owned by Shree Sai Champions Family Trust. It stated that the panchayat was not qualified to issue an NOC for any project in a no-development zone and that the structure was been found to be in CRZ I area. The shack, which was built by cutting a sand dune, was demolished on Thursday.

“The panchayat had ignored the issue, while CRZ authorities overlooked the destruction of the sand dunes. Both paid for it. After the court pulled them up, they had a re-inspection and gave a report that the project was illegal,” said Passanha.

The NGT also added, “It is important to note that the fall-out of the demolition must require not only restitution, but also recovery of the costs of restitution of the sand dunes, as well as compensation for the damage to environment, including prosecution, as may be deemed proper by the competent authority.”

The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) was ordered to use the money to restore the affected area and to prepare a progress report within six weeks.

The CVF said there were many such illegalities in the area and it would work to clear them all. GCZMA has inspected some of the structures, but action is yet to be taken.

Another agenda at the meeting was to pass a surplus budget that was delayed by nearly four months. Regarding the market issue, Sarpanch Viola D’Costa asked the public to help the panchayat find suitable land for the market. The panchayat also informed that it would write to the PWD to expedite the work of the beach access road and that it had already forwarded the NOCs from landowners to the PWD. It also informed that, as per information given by the Director of Panchayats, construction of the new panchayat ghar would start in the next financial year.

The fishing community also raised the issue of sports activities in the River Sal despite a ban. They said it was affecting the livelihood of traditional fishermen.