A shocking revelation that the government machinery is unable to trace the 15% illegal constructions erected around turtle conservation areas at Morjim, Mandrem, Galjibaga and Agonda have come to the fore. These constructions violate the CRZ rules. This creates a dilemma over how to take action over these illegal constructions. This is an example of how frivolously operations are carried out at the government offices and officers. It is not necessary to elaborate how torpid the government employees act. Deferment shown regarding taking action against illegal constructions is unforgivable.
Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) which is legally responsible to protect the turtle conservation area lacks the sense of responsibility and wakes up only after the court takes cognizance. The situation is such that it makes no sense to complain about the noise pollution that happens at the rest of the coastal area in the State. In fact, the ordinary Goans stepped ahead first to protect the eggs of Olive Ridley turtles. As per the research scientist Sujit Kumar Dongre, the government’s participation came much later. Although the government by providing remuneration to the volunteers and creating awareness in schools have done its duty, they could still do a lot more.
The unique temperature of Goan sand favours the incubation of Ridleys’ eggs which is why they swim near the coast from November till December for breeding. The mating season spans from November till March which is when the female turtles lay eggs by digging a 1 to 1.5 feet deep nest in the sand about 50 to 100 feet far from the high tidal line. The number of eggs range from 50 to 100. The further process of incubation, hatching and the hatchlings making their way into the sea depends on nature. This cycle is full of obstacles for the newborns as many times they fall prey to dogs, foxes and rats. Many times the aforementioned predators destroy the eggs as well. What’s more concerning however is that the eggs are also consumed by the humans.
The forest department has now taken the initiative to provide protection to these sea creatures. They have erected nets around the turtle nests and guards are appointed to keep watch over the eggs. However, the forest department cannot take action against intense lighting and the playing of loud music that causes noise pollution along the coast. The department of tourism has jurisdiction to control this menace. The illegal commercial establishments are the source of this noise pollution and the locals have to knock on the doors of National Green Tribunal (NGT). This shows how insensitively the government system works just to please the tourists, which gives us the impression that the authorities do not care enough about the turtles. The government woke up only after NGT ordered Govt to recover Rs 2.59 crore in compensation from the illegal structures in the turtle nesting sites. It seems that the government is trying to shrug off their responsibility by stating that they cannot trace 15% of the illegal constructions. Non-governmental organisations should obtain orders from the court to recover the compensation from the officials’ pockets who are responsible for the fiasco. Only then the government workers will realise what it means to fulfil the duty. It would be courageous to say that illegal constructions come up in the coastal area without the blessings from the officials. GCZMA should now throw out the time consuming procedure of taking action and should make the required amendments to the laws. The action should be taken within a week after inspecting the illegal constructions. If the shores come under the jurisdiction of the government then why should the procedure of issuing notices be followed? The decision of demolishing constructions on the government owned land is of the government and the same should be followed in the coastal stretch as well. The government should teach a lesson to the officials who are only interested in bureaucratic red tape and making paper horses dance. The officials should worry about the fact that they could be penalised if they do not follow the rules. Only then one could say that the State delivers good governance.
