MARGAO: In a setback for a bar and restaurant located in Betalbatim, near the border of Colva, the Supreme Court (SC) dismissed its appeal against a demolition order from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA).
The SC bench stated that they did not find any grounds and reason to interfere with the impugned judgement /order.
While the SC granted a four-month grace period for the proprietor to demolish the existing structure, it emphasized that failure to comply within this timeframe would authorize authorities to carry out the demolition. Judith Almeida, Secretary of the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum (CCCF), plans to approach GSCZMA and Salcete Deputy Collector Uday Prabhudesai on Monday, to advocate for the immediate closure of the business premises to prevent any activities during the grace period.
It may be recalled that on July 3, 2019, GCZMA had issued directions to the owner of the bar and restaurant, instructing them to demolish the structures as they were found to be in violation of the CRZ Notification, 1991.
As per its order, GCZMA has instructed the owner to demolish the structures on the specified land and to take necessary measures to restore the sand dunes to its original condition within 30 days in coordination with the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) for which all costs for such restoration shall be borne by the owner.
