MAPUSA: In a bid to stop the blatant destruction of beach vegetation on the touristy Candolim Beach, the Calangute Constituency Forum has written to the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), to take action against the illegal felling of trees presently underway in the No-Development Zone, on a property bearing Survey no 120/1 at Bamonvaddo in Candolim.
The Forum pointed out that the locals of Bamanvaddo had already complained to local authorities last month, to bring to their notice the illegal activities carried out by a developer on the plot, in violation of Coastal Regulation Zone rules and the Environment Protection Act 1986. However, the local body members had turned a blind eye to the complaint, allowing the illegal development to carry on.
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The destruction of beach vegetation can wreak havoc on the coastal ecosystem, as trees and plants are essential to prevent erosion of sand by acting as a natural barrier that intercepts sand and wind. While several countries are taking steps to cultivate salt-resistant creepers to arrest and correct erosion of their coastline, the State authorities, in the name of development, are allowing private parties to raze wild shrubbery and even fruit-bearing cashew plants on the beach.
Premanand Diukar, President of Calangute Constituency Forum, told Herald, “Even after repeated follow ups, the local authorities have slept on the issue, only to allow the developer to carry out mass destruction of beach ecology. We request the GCZMA to look into the matter on priority, inspect the site and initiate action against the developer before it is too late.”
“ The GCZMA is supposed to be the guardian of the coastal belt but they are turning out to be the destroyers, responsible for the destruction of the CRZ. The GCZMA has issued permits for development of the NDZ even when there have been two strong judgements passed by the National Green Tribunal only last month, as per the beach carrying capacity report, which clearly states that no temporary structure should be allowed within the NDZ in Candolim and Calangute. ,” said local resident Agnelo Baretto.
