HC orders demolition of concrete structure on Sal River bank at Cavelossim

PANJIM: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) not to grant permission to the project proponent James Barreto for setting up seasonal huts on the banks of the river Sal at Cavelossim until the concrete structures built by him in violation of CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) norms are demolished.

The issue arose due to the construction of concrete structures right on the banks of the Sal River. Barreto, who sought permission from the GCZMA to set up seasonal huts for tourism, provided an undertaking to the Court that the structures would be demolished within the next 15 days.

The Court instructed Barreto to reapply for permission to erect the seasonal huts and ordered the authorities not to grant him permission until the concrete structures were removed. The Court also directed the member secretary of GCZMA to file an affidavit on November 28.

The petitioner, Maria Augusta Francisco Fernandes of Mobor Cavelossim, had approached the Court after the Cavelossim village panchayat failed to take action against the illegal construction that included a bar, restaurant, and water jetty in a No Development Zone (NDZ) on the bank of the river Sal. 

Despite the panchayat issuing a stop-work order in June 2023, no meaningful action was taken to stop the illegal construction.

Illegal buildings in Palolem NDZ sealed by Court order

PANJIM: The HC  has taken serious action against illegal structures that have been constructed in a No Development Zone (NDZ) at Palolem Beach. The Court has directed the chief officer of the Canacona Municipal Council and the Canacona Mamlatdar to immediately seal these structures to prevent their use for any purpose, including commercial activities. The Court has also issued a restraining order against individuals associated with these structures.

The action comes following a writ petition filed by Arvind Sinai Nagarsenkar. The Court has instructed the municipal chief officer and the taluka Mamlatdar to prepare a panchanama at the location. The respondents are accused of illegally tapping electricity and making provisions for water supply for these structures. The authorities have been directed to file a compliance report, including a copy of the panchanama, on the next date of the hearing.

The Division Bench, consisting of Justice Mahesh Sonak and Justice B P Deshpande, noted that such instances of illegal construction were increasing in the coastal areas of the State.  The Advocate General, Devidas Pangam, confirmed that the structures were wholly unauthorized, and no permissions had been granted by any authorities, including the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA). 

Adv Pavithran, representing Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) stated that no consent to operate has been granted for these structures.