PTI, New Delhi: The Supreme Court Thursday refused to entertain a plea by an NGO seeking extension of time for public hearing for preparation of Coastal Zones Management Plan (CZMP) in Goa.
A bench comprising Justices S A Nazeer and Krishna Murari dismissed the plea filed by NGO Goa Foundation.
Senior advocate Sanjay Parikh, appearing for the Goa Foundation, argued that public hearing is slated to commence from Thursday itself but lockdown in the state has been extended till July 12.
In these circumstances, it is not possible for fishermen and villagers to participate in the public hearing, Parikh said, adding that what purpose would the exercise serve if people do not participate in the proceedings and they are not able to put up their grievances.
Parikh said, ”I (villagers) can’t go because of restrictions and curfew.”
The apex court then said, “What curfew ? I am very familiar with the area. You go to the NGT and seek extension of time. It is a five judge (NGT) bench. We are not inclined. Dismissed.”
NGT had directed the Goa government on May 31 to issue fresh notice within a week for public hearing for preparation of Coastal Zones Management Plan in the state after noting deficiencies in the process.
