Forums want draft amendments to CRZ notification scrapped

MARGAO: Demanding the scrapping of the new draft amendments to the CRZ notification, the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum and the Cavelossim Villagers’ Forum of coastal village groups have alleged that no action has been taken on the complaints made by the NGOs regarding the eroding CRZ areas in Goa.  

The village group forums have expressed their surprise that state Government has failed to stem or address the various violations causing havoc to state’s coast. The Colva Civic Consumer Forum has alleged that the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has become a “defunct” organisation and has not taken any action on several complaints made by the NGOs. 

"The GCZMA has to be vested with powers to take action on the rulings made against the complaints" said Judith Almeida. 

“If the Government doesn't ask for striking down of the CRZ notification, we will intervene with a petition before the National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, against the reduction of the CRZ area through the draft notification by the MOEF &CC. We demand that the government intervene to stop further destruction of our coast," the forums demanded. 

"The government, which boasts of development, lacks vision in execution of basic infrastructure in its governance. We demand the GCZMA be run in a professional manner and all complaints be addressed in a time-bound period. The government has to show its seriousness to govern and implement these laws," said Aires Passanha of Cavelossim Forum.