MARGAO: Environmentalists have raised concerns regarding the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority’s (GCZMA) alleged delays in acting against violations once complaints are filed. In light of the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) directions, they question why the GCZMA is not taking suo moto action against violations, and instead waiting for complaints to be filed.
The NGT, in a recent order involving the demolition of a restaurant in Colva, stated, “GCZMA appears to be working only on the basis of complaints against illegal structures, and a large number of illegal structures continue to exist despite directions from the High Court. It may be desirable to have an inventory prepared for such structures based on an independent annual survey, updated periodically to avoid selective action against violations of the CRZ. An effective monitoring mechanism needs to be set up by GCZMA to advance the rule of law.”
The NGT was referring to a paragraph from the Bombay High Court at Goa’s order, which stated, “By order dated 26.09.2007 in Suo Moto Writ Petition No. 02/2006, all the local bodies were required to submit action taken reports. Further orders on the subject were passed on 12.01.2015 and 21.06.2016.”
Environmentalists have also pointed out problems even in cases where complaints are filed. They stated that the complainant’s presence is not required for GCZMA to carry out inspections, except when a demolition order or similar action is issued.
They cited a recent incident in Sernabatim, where the party against whom a complaint was filed allegedly abused the complainant who had come for the inspection. However, the complainant lamented that GCZMA did not do its duty in asking for police protection for the complainant.
In another case involving a different complainant but at the same site in Sernabatim, GCZMA did not conduct an inspection when the complainant was not present, citing the inability to identify or find the location, despite the complainant sharing the details with the inspection team. The complainant has written to the GCZMA again questioning why the inspection did not take place.
Environmentalists have further questioned whether GCZMA is employing delaying tactics in such cases instead of carrying out their tasks like conducting inspections on time.
