MARGAO: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) conducted an inspection at Magdal-Galgibaga in Poinguinim to examine ongoing construction activities, which included the alleged filling of khazan land and the alleged cutting of mangroves. This inspection followed an earlier intervention by Canacona Mamlatdar Jeetendra Bugde in April when he ordered a halt to the project. This was also in response to a prior stop-work order that had been issued by the local Talathi. However, despite this, it was alleged by the complainants that construction activities, particularly the removal of mangroves and land filling, continued unabated.
The inspection team included GCZMA engineer Tejas Naik and field surveyor Sidhi Morajkar, along with representatives from the NGO ‘Rainbow Warriors,’ who were the complainants in this matter. Although GCZMA-appointed expert member Radha Rao was absent, the team confirmed that a comprehensive report would be filed with the GCZMA.
During their inspection, the team documented the claims of extensive damage to mangroves and the infilling of significant areas of khazan land. They took photographs of the affected sites to support their findings. The team also took note of the claims of destruction of mangroves along the Galgibaga riverbank and further noted that the prima facie, the river water’s natural flow into the khazan land had been obstructed by partial land-filling.
Representatives from ‘Rainbow Warriors,’ including Abhijeet Prabhudessai and Diana Tavares, as well as local activists such as Judas Barretto, George S Barretto, Diogo Da Silva, and Raju Pagi, were present during the inspection.
Prabhudessai expressed grave concern over the extensive cutting of mangroves and the massive dumping of mud and rubble. He referred to regulations prohibiting development on khazan land being violated in this case. He warned that without prompt government action to halt these alleged illegal activities and restore the khazan land, they would have no choice but to seek judicial recourse.
Tavares also vehemently criticized the government for its inaction and failure to address the concerns of the local community. She warned of potential disasters akin to the Canacona floods of October 2009 if the situation continues unchecked. Da Silva echoed these concerns, fearing that the area would face severe consequences if the government did not take immediate steps to restore the khazan land and mangroves.
