MARGAO: CRZ violations and illegal structures along the Salcete coastal belt in particular and South Goa in general are likely to be razed to dust soon after errant authorities were who dilly-dallied with the issue citing silly reasons and kept postponing the razing of illegal multi-storied buildings were issued stern warnings bythe court.
The South Goa District Collector’s office issued directives to the Deputy Collectors of all talukas in the district to immediately execute all pending demolition orders issued by authorities like the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) and courts, including the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
This move comes against the backdrop of a rising number of complaints regarding alleged CRZ violations in the South coastal belt and pending orders that are yet to be executed due to various technical reasons that have been cited in the past.
It is to be noted that the memorandum from Deputy Collector (Revenue) Premraj Shirodkar instructed the deputies of Salcete-I, Salcete-II, Mormugao, Canacona, Ponda, and Quepem talukas to ensure timely compliance with demolition orders upheld by various bodies. They have been directed to submit compliance reports to the GCZMA after executing the pending orders immediately. Copies have also been sent to the GCZMA and Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB).
It may be recalled that for years, demolition squads and PWD officials have cited lack of funds and resources as excuses to postpone the razing of illegal multi-storied buildings, especially in Salcete. Recently, Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira had previously moved a proposal to allocate funds for the demolition squads in North and South Goa, but sources had stated that it had remained stuck with the Finance Department.
However, now, these tough directions from the Collector’s office come after the High Court took cognizance of the matter and made strong observations in a contempt petition regarding non-compliance of its order. The High Court of Bombay at Goa then directed the Revenue Secretary to fix responsibility on errant officials by making entries in their confidential report (CR) within six months after giving them a proper hearing.
The Court flayed panchayats, municipalities, GCZMA, and Comunidades for routinely citing the unavailability of demolition squads as an excuse to defy judicial directives. It asserted that once courts issue demolition orders, they cannot be delayed or defeated on such grounds, as executing the orders is the responsibility of the concerned authority.
With the South District Collector’s firm directions and the High Court’s strict monitoring, activists and environmentalists are optimistic about finally seeing concrete action against what they have described to be brazen violations that have marred Goa’s once pristine coastline.
