Team Herald
PANJIM: Several commercial establishments in Agonda were sealed on Thursday after the High Court of Bombay at Goa directed the Deputy Collector to halt all business activities at 67 premises within 24 hours concerning large-scale unauthorised constructions in the area, a designated turtle nesting site.
Following the sealing of the establishments, authorities posted an official notice stating: "In compliance with the order passed by the High Court dated March 19, 2025, and as per the order issued by the Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Officer, Canacona taluka, South Goa, this property has been sealed."
The court’s decision has sparked protests among local residents, who claim the ruling was based on incorrect information.
Antony Fernandes, a local resident, criticised the verdict, stating: "The court has made the wrong decision as the survey number was not checked properly. False allegations have been made against the people of Agonda. Our houses are being sealed, even though we have been staying here since 1966. The Chief Minister should take necessary action on this matter as soon as possible."
He further argued that businesses in the area had obtained the necessary licences and had paid the required fees before commencing operations.
The High Court’s directive, issued on Wednesday, called for the immediate closure of 67 commercial establishments located near the designated turtle nesting site, in the CRZ-III area in violation of rules at Agonda Beach.
The order was passed during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) writ petition filed by Aman Gupta. The court’s intervention came after Advocate General Devidas Pangam informed the bench that the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) had failed to comply with a previous court order regarding the matter.
Parties were given an opportunity to produce documents but did not furnish anything, he told the court, alleging misconduct on part of the GCZMA in acting against these structures.
He said it was a sensitive matter as it concerns olive ridley turtles and added that these structures pose an imminent danger to their nesting sites.
Authorities have now moved swiftly to enforce the ruling, but with strong opposition from local residents and the issue remains contentious.