SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
Team Herald
High Court of Bombay at Goa has issued a directive to the Goa state government to clamp down on illegal constructions and businesses operating on public beaches. Advocate General Devidas Pangam revealed that the Court's order encompasses strict measures to curb unauthorized structures dotting the coastline.
The Court's directive specifically targets the state tourism department, mandating it to take decisive action against any unauthorized constructions and businesses operating from such premises on beaches throughout Goa. Furthermore, the Court emphasized that these entities should not be provided with basic amenities such as water and electricity connections.
The Court has tasked the Director of Tourism to maintain strict vigil to ensure that such illegal constructions do not crop up on beaches across Goa.. Additionally, it has called for the initiation of criminal proceedings against existing or ongoing illegal constructions, underscoring the gravity of the issue.
Moreover, the Environment Department has been instructed to ensure that the costs associated with environmental damage caused by these illegal constructions are recovered from their owners.
The Court's directives were issued during proceedings related to illegal constructions at Calangute and Baga beaches. Notably, the tourism department had previously undertaken efforts to remove such unauthorized structures. However, during a recent inspection on March 15, authorities uncovered several more illegal constructions, prompting renewed action.
In response, the government assured the High Court that these additional structures would be removed within the next two months, demonstrating a commitment to upholding the Court's directives.
