TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
TIVIM: Acting on orders of National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) on Wednesday evening began the process to remove a pathway constructed by GTDC at Vagator beach which had allegedly violated the CRZ norms.
“A member and I approached the violators of the CRZ and informed them about the illegal construction of some steps. The violators immediately complied with our direction to demolish the steps. They began to demolish the steps with their labourers and in our presence,” Srinet Kothwale of the GCZMA told Herald.
The NGT order, passed by Justice V R Kingaonkar and Dr Ajay A Deshpande of the Pune Bench of the NGT, is on an application filed by Girish Gaonkar, Pradeep Halmalkar and four others, from Chapora seeking the demolition of what they called an illegal construction of building, concrete wall, steps at the Vagator beach which is allegedly in violation of the CRZ notification.
The NGT bench had instructed GCZMA to begin procedures to remove the pathway. The pathway is part of a project leased out by the GTDC to an outstation company to start tourism and entertainment activities in the area.
When contacted, GTDC officials feigned ignorance of the demolitions but had earlier told Herald that the pathway was constructed for local community and fishermen, after GCZMA approvals.
“GTDC has obtained all necessary permissions as it is a perfectly permissible activity in CRZ area. The corporation will go ahead with the project for developing tourism in the area in accordance with local laws and regulations,” a GTDC official had earlier told Herald.
