The Colva Civic and Consumer Forum (CCCF) has strongly condemned the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) for allegedly granting illegal permission to set up a temporary restaurant and wooden bio-fencing on protected sand dunes in Betalbatim.
The forum expressed dismay that the GCZMA approved the project during its 452nd meeting on May 22, despite prior directives from both the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) calling for complete ecological restoration of the dune site.
According to CCCF president Judith Almeida, the GCZMA was expected to enforce its 2019 directive, which required the demolition of all unauthorized structures and restoration of the area in coordination with the Goa State Biodiversity Board. Instead, she said, the authority has "illegally granted fresh approvals" that undermine environmental protection.
Earlier, the NGT Principal Bench in New Delhi and the Supreme Court had both rejected appeals filed by the landowner—on June 29, 2021, and November 10, 2023, respectively—reaffirming the need for ecological preservation of the site.
GCZMA officials have defended their decision, but the move has sparked renewed concerns among environmental groups and local residents.
July 3, 2019: GCZMA orders landowner to demolish illegal structures and restore the sand dune
June 29, 2021:National Green Tribunal (NGT) Principal Bench, New Delhi, dismisses landowner's appeal against the 2019 order
November 10, 2023: Supreme Court upholds the NGT's decision
January 28, 2025:GCZMA conducts site inspection with the Goa. State Biodiversity Board to assess restoration
April 2, 2025: GCZMA conducts a follow-up site inspection before con-firming if the restoration work is complete
May 22, 2025: In its 452nd meeting, GCZMA grants permission for a temporary restaurant/shack and wooden bio-fencing on the same site, drawing criticism from the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum