The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has overturned a demolition order issued by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), effectively safeguarding a flood protection structure and Ganesh idol immersion platform located at Bandirwadda, Anjuna.
The platform, which serves a dual purpose, religious immersion and flood protection—was facing partial demolition following a GCZMA directive from November 2022, which termed an extended section as unauthorised. Concerned over the impact of the demolition, local residents approached the NGT citing risks to their homes.
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In its ruling, the tribunal warned that dismantling the structure could lead to flooding in surrounding residential areas. It referred to a report from the North Goa District Disaster Management Authority, which, despite noting the platform’s dilapidated condition, confirmed its crucial role in preventing erosion and shielding homes from floodwaters.
The NGT observed that demolition could result in the washing away of a traditional access path and allow river water to enter internal roads and houses, particularly during the monsoon and high tides. “We agree with the apprehensions expressed in the report,” the tribunal noted.
A site inspection, conducted in January this year on the tribunal’s instructions, was followed by consultations with the Anjuna panchayat and the Water Resources Department (WRD). Based on their inputs, the GCZMA has now regularised the structure and approved its extension and reconstruction.
Officials confirmed that the platform is also used by local fishermen and has long served as a de facto flood protection wall for the area. With the NGT’s stay on the demolition, the WRD can now proceed with strengthening the platform to ensure it continues to serve both its religious and protective functions.
