Team Herald

PANJIM: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has issued notices to Collector and other authorities into a matter over withdrawal of Investment Promotion Board’s in-principle approval to a project in CRZ area. 

After withdrawal of the approval for an under construction starred resort in Morjim, Goa Foundation filed a Public Interest Litigation in the High Court pleading to direct Collector, the local panchayat and other authorities to reconsider approvals granted by them. 

The NGO contended that on the basis of the in-principle approval to the upcoming resort near the turtle nesting site; permissions like conversion sanad, technical clearance, and permissions by MoEFCC, Goa State Pollution Control Board and local panchayat were granted. With the IPB’s withdrawal of the approval, the NGO states other authorities should also reconsider their approvals.  

The court thus issued notices asking them to make their stands clear about impact of withdrawal of the in-principle approval by the IPB, on the permissions granted by them (other authorities including the Union ministry). The High Court has also directed the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority to act as per the order passed by the single judge expeditiously. The matter is fixed for hearing on May 3.