PANJIM: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has directed a private hotel at Bambolim to submit a detailed plan for constructing a retaining wall along the beach, even as the stop work order issued against the property remains in force.
During a hearing held on Thursday, the GCZMA reiterated that the hotel management must refrain from any civil construction activity until further notice. The coastal body stated that the stop work order would continue until the next date of hearing.
The petitioners opposing the construction voiced strong objections to the use of materials and methods they claim are environmentally damaging, including cement and heavy earthmoving machinery. They also demanded the removal of debris from a collapsed section of the wall that had fallen onto the beach.
Last week, the GCZMA issued a show cause notice to the hotel, halting all ongoing work and questioning why the structure should not be demolished and the site restored to its original condition. The hotel management has been directed to file a response, along with a compliance report and copies of all relevant licences and approvals—including those from the GCZMA—by April 24.
In a parallel development, the Department of Tourism has also issued a show cause notice to the same star-category hotel, citing unauthorised construction of the retaining wall and indiscriminate dumping of excavation debris along the beach area.
Following credible reports, tourism officials inspected the site on April 16 and observed that the hotel had constructed a retaining wall approximately 300 metres in length abutting the shoreline. The inspection further revealed that stones, construction rubble, and metal wire remnants had been dumped along the beach.
The case has drawn attention after complaints were lodged by Sant Andre MLA Viresh Borkar, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Ramrao Wagh, and Goa Green Brigade convenor Avertino Miranda, all raising concerns over environmental violations and coastal encroachment.