PANJIM: In an indictment that outlines that the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) is allowing itself to be a pliable tool in the hands of the government, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) while passing the judgment on Siolim jetty, has come down heavily on GCZMA expressing serious concerns over its affairs.
NGT has stated that GCZMA is clearing projects without any necessary appraisals despite directions from the tribunal from time to time. Passing the judgment in the Siolim jetty case, the NGT said the Siolim project is deemed to have been sanctioned illegally by GCZMA.
“We are constrained to record our serious concerns over the regulatory affairs of the GCZMA which is legally mandated to safeguard and protect the pristine coastal management of Goa,” the NGT order on November 30, 2016 signed by Dr Justice Jawad Rahim (JM) and Dr Ajay A Deshpande (EM) said.
Further, it said the tribunal in an application no. 03/2014 (Alexo Arnolfo Parraira v/s State of Goa & Ors) has issued elaborate directions to GCZMA to ensure strict compliance to Coastal Regulatory Zone Regulations 2011.
“…and we regret to note that in spite of several directions from this tribunal from time to time, we did not find compliance by GCZMA resulting into irregularities,” the order states.
Further, it continues, “Such actions of GCZMA not only affects the development projects, but more importantly affects the environment as such projects are cleared without necessary appraisals.”
No construction till all permissions obtained
Passing judgment in the Siolim jetty case, the NGT said that unless and until
the PP obtains clearance following due procedure, it cannot proceed with the project for construction of jetty and carry on riverfront development.
NGT deemed that GCZMA sanction for the project was illegal and further activity is impermissible in view of the CRZ 2011 provisions.
“For the aforesaid reasons, we find that grant of permission by GCZMA is legally not permissible and hence the said permission is quashed,” the judgment said adding, “For the aforesaid reason we are inclined to accept the request of the applicant for restraint on project activity on different grounds.”
Hence, it adds, “We restrain construction activity of the jetty and riverfront development required permissions are obtained.”
“The authorities of GCZMA and State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) shall also examine the technical details of the retaining wall in view of the apprehensions raised by the applicant and may pass appropriate orders if required,” the NGT order states.
The NGT western zone bench, Pune was hearing a petition filed by one Suvarnasangeet Vernekar, representing tenants of the agricultural field known as ‘Tarchem Khazan’, who had sought interim relief in the form of a stay on the alleged illegal project undertaken without environmental clearance. The petitioner had also pointed out that the work of the bund has been undertaken in violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and without its clearance.
The petitioner had claimed that the proposed construction work has led to damage of agricultural fields in the area.
