PANJIM: Activist Kashinath Shetye, who had earlier filed an intervening petition in the District Court, has said he will approach the National Green Tribunal or the High Court if no action is taken against the concrete wall built on Vainguinim Beach by a hotel.
It may be recalled that the hotel had filed a suit in the District Court, which they have recently withdrawn unconditionally.
Shetye pointed out that the environment minister had spoken about how he can’t speak much as the matter was sub-judice but that now the matter is no longer sub-judice.
Shetye further pointed out that as per the prevailing rules, no construction is permitted in the No Development Zone as per the CRZ notification and that use of concrete is banned.
He thus questioned why the authorities are not taking action, especially given the fact that when it comes to the matter of the area where sand and water meet is government land.
He added that as per the NGT, until the CZMP 2011 is finalised, no permission for such works can be given. He questioned on what basis the Water Resources Department (WRD) gave permission as well.
He also criticised the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) for employing delaying tactics and failing to take action despite having issued a show-cause notice, which amongst its many findings, said the work was ‘new work’, which violated the conditions of their NOC that was for ‘repair work’ only.
He said GCZMA could very well have demolished the wall by now and also pointed out that the construction work had involved the use of excavators and bulldozers, which are not allowed as well. Only eco-friendly materials can be used in a natural setting, as per the existing rules.
He added that letters had been already issued to all departments including the Town and Country Planning Department and if any permission had been given, it would amount to contempt of the National Green Tribunal.
