Restore eco-sensitive area in Galgibag to original form: HC

Restore eco-sensitive area in Galgibag to original form: HC 
HERALD REPORTR
PANJIM, JUNE 21 
The Bombay High Court at Goa on Monday issued directions to restore the eco-sensitive area to its original form in Galgibag beach where a by pass road was being built. The authorities have been also directed to file a compliance report by August end.
In reference to a news item published in one of the English dailies, Adv Norma Alvares had written a letter seeking intervention of the High Court.
The newspaper report had highlighted that area earmarked for construction of by-pass road was adjacent to the turtle breeding area in Galgibag.
Treating the matter as suo motto public interest litigation, the High Court had then appointed Adv Alvares as amicus curiae in this petition.
Through her letter she had sought to know whether the bypass road project had received approval from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority under the CRZ notification.
Whether an environment impact assessment study was carried out for the road project, particularly with reference to its impact on the turtle breeding grounds of Galgibag and whether the same has been approved by the ministry of environment.
And whether NOC from the forest department has been obtained under the Wildlife Protection Act.
 During last hearing GCZMA informed the Court during mud filling and construction of road was initiated about year ago but was stopped due to opposition from local villagers.
It had also informed the Court that no approval was granted for the construction of the road and the construction was in violation of the provisions of the CRZ notification, 1991 and an offence under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Thereafter, the PWD was directed by the GCZMA to forthwith stop further construction of the road and to restore it to the original condition by the removing the earth filling.
The GCZMA had sought action taken report from the PWD about steps taken for restoration but no report was submitted to it, claimed GCZMA in its letter.
However, when the matter came up for hearing on Monday morning Advocate General Subodh Kantak told the Court that construction activities have been stopped.
Considering the development the Court directed that area distorted should be restored to its original position.