PANJIM: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has identified as many as 241 structures operating illegally in the No Development Zone (NDZ) of the turtle conservation sites at Mandrem, Morjim, Agonda and Galgibag beach areas. Demolition order to the 145 such structures have been issued.
The information was submitted by GCZMA to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench in an application filed by Goa Paryavaran Savrakshan Sangharsh Samitee.
In its latest order issued on July 18, the NGT has noted that GCZMA has identified altogether 241 structures as being illegal, out of which 74 have been referred to the District Level Committees for inspection.
“Of the remaining 167 such structures, 22 had been discharged having found to be compliant with the norms with requisite clearances,” the order stated.
“Against the rest of the 145, demolition orders and orders for payment of penalty have been issued,” it said further.
NGT, however, has asserted that the offences with regards to which action have been instituted should also include permanent structures.
Meanwhile, the Tribunal has kept in abeyance, the State request for wavier of interim environmental compensation of Rs one crore imposed on GCZMA for non-compliance of its order, till the next date of hearing that is September 19.
Goa Paryavaran Savrakshan Sangharsh Samitee had petitioned the NGT seeks enforcement of its order in November 2017 based on its original application wherein the Tribunal had directed the GCZMA to take action against temporary structures constructed along the beaches of Morjim, Mandrem, Galgibag and Agonda without specific permission from GCZMA in NDZ.
Accordingly, NGT via order dated February 25, 2019 directed GCZMA to immediately implement its order dated November, 2017.
