MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Principal Bench has directed the State government to take immediate remedial measures for the restoration and regeneration of sand dune ecosystem and riverside areas in Cavelossim village and complete the same within three months.
The order was passed by the Bench comprising of Justice Sheo Kumar Singh and Expert Member Satyawan Singh Garbyal in an application filed by Cavelossim Village Forum against the Village Panchayat over destruction of sand dunes and illegal construction activities in violation of CRZ regulations. The applicant also pointed out illegal dumping of red mud destroying sand dunes.
Based on the report submitted by the expert members of Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), the National Green Tribunal has directed the coastal body as well as PWD to take remedial measures.
During the site inspection, the expert members observed that there were heavy incessant and cyclonic rains in 2019, also this year in 2020.
“These incidents have enhanced the process of restoration of the sand dunes. The restoration site has been gradually taken over by nature due to non-interference of human activities and also as a result of pandemic in the year 2020,” it added.
“The best way of restoration would be to facilitate the natural restoration with least interference,” it added further.
The work of restoration would be mainly to facilitate the natural process of regeneration of sand dune ecosystem and riverside areas which is already being initiated by nature.
The work of PWD is to ensure removal of unwanted platforms and trash/debris.
