Team Herald
CALANGUTE: The Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF) has called on authorities to take immediate action on multiple complaints regarding violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules and the Environmental Protection Act (EPA).
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In a memorandum submitted on Thursday to the Chief Secretary, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), and other officials, the CCF expressed frustration over the lack of response to complaints filed over the past few years. The forum stated that continued inaction is allowing environmental degradation to persist unchecked.
“We are writing to bring to your attention the continued inaction on several complaints filed before the GCZMA regarding blatant violations of CRZ rules and the Environmental Protection Act, 1986. Despite multiple representations, no cognisance or necessary action has been taken, enabling unauthorised and environmentally damaging activities to continue,” the memorandum reads.
The CCF warned that such violations pose a severe threat to Goa’s fragile coastal ecosystem and urged authorities to schedule hearings for long-pending complaints as a priority, issue stop-work orders for ongoing violations of CRZ and EPA regulations,conduct thorough inspections and investigations to assess the extent of environmental damage and initiate legal proceedings against violators to prevent further destruction of coastal areas.
The memorandum listed multiple alleged violations, including irregularities in the renovated Aguada Jail complex, CRZ breaches by builders in Candolim, building permissions granted based on false documents, and destruction of sand dunes and beach vegetation.
“The delay in addressing these issues not only undermines the spirit of environmental conservation but also raises concerns regarding enforcement and accountability. We request an expedited response and decisive action to safeguard Goa’s coastal environment,” the CCF stated.
The forum has urged authorities to take urgent steps to prevent further degradation of the State’s coastline.
