Calangute: A Calangute-based NGO has stated that a huge area of sand-dune vegetation has recently been destaroyed in violation of the Environment Protection Act by the owners of a private resort at Tivaiwaddo.
The Calangute Citizens Forum in a complaint to the Chief Secretary, the Goa Coastaal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) and others, said they were informed on March 19 that Nameh Hotels and Resorts had engaged labourers to cut the beach vegetation (lingud) in survey no 159/3.
“We express our grave concern regarding the recent destruction of beach vegetation in violation of Environment Protection Act by Nameh Hotels and Resorts in property bearing survey no 159/3 at Tivaiwaddo, Calangute, without regard for the delicate eco-system and the laws in place to protect it and the directions passed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on February 4, 2016 and the GCZMA with regards to the said project by Nameh,” the CCF complaint states, demanding that those responsible be held accountable for their actions.
In another complaint to the chief secretary, chief town planner and others, against Beera Homes project Paula Grande by Lini Hotels in survey no 26/3 at Boa Viagem in Calangute, the CCF stated that “the ongoing construction has resulted in significant damage to the natural environment and destruction of ecosystem by hill-cutting beyond permissible limits.”
Following complaints by residents of the area on March 19, the CCF along with Calangute panchayat members and secretary visited the spot and “found that the hill-cutting was done more than 3 meters of height which is beyond permissiable limits”.
“We urge the authorities to take immediate action and revoke the project licences without delay to prevent further destruction of our natural heritage,” the CCF said in the complaint.
