FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: Responding to the complaints of locals over the building of a wall on Sernabatim Beach, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) issued a stop work-order while the Revenue Department has directed the Salcete Deputy Collector to file a report about this issue too.
The authorities had been approached over the work on the beach, which includes the use of a JCB machine and concrete.
In a show cause notice (SCN) issued by the GCZMA to the project proponent (PP), the Authority referred to the complaint filed by the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum (CCCF) about the use of black rocks dumped alongside the concrete wall.
“Upon perusal of said complaint and photos, videos attached, the Authority noted blatant and serious violation of CRZ Notification 2011,” said the GCZMA.
It further pointed out that the entire belt of 100 metres from the High Tide Line (HTL) of river and 200 metres from the HTL from the sea, is designated as the ‘No Development Zone’ (NDZ) and hence no construction/development whatever are permissible in the said belt.
“The alleged construction is highly detrimental to the coastal ecosystem/riverine ecosystem. Further, it is observed that construction is ongoing without obtaining any prior approval of the GCZMA for the purpose of alleged construction as required under the CRZ Notification 1991/2011,” the Authority added.
Under the Environment (Protection) Act and Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, the GCZMA issued directions to the PP to stop work at the site immediately and show cause as to why a direction to demolish/remove illegalities and to restore the land to its original condition should not be imposed.
Further, the GCZMA asked why environmental compensation/penalty should not be imposed and reiterated that no construction activity of any nature is allowed at the site.
The Authority has also scheduled a personal hearing on October 6, at its head office in Panjim where the PP has to submit a written reply to the SCN along with the approved plan and relevant documents.
Elsewhere, the Revenue Department directed the Salcete Deputy Collector to submit a compliance report into this matter regarding the directions issued by the GCZMA, within two days, following which further action would be initiated.
