PANJIM: Reacting sharply to the decision taken by Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to withdraw the show-cause notice (SCN) it had issued to the hotel that had constructed a concrete wall on Vainguinim Beach, the complainant Vainguinim Valley Residents Association (VVRA) has vowed to continue their protest irrespective.
“We are extremely disappointed by the actions, rather the non-action and decisions of the authorities, who are meant to uphold and enforce the law. We will continue in our pursuit to protect the beach and save the environment. If need be, we will go to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Supreme Court to get justice for Goa,” said VVRA.
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“The GCZMA is divided over the decision made by it to withdraw the SCN. An expert member of the GCZMA has filed written objections to the decision of the authority, however the objections are nowhere quoted in the minutes and it has been casually brushed aside in the decision of the authority,” said VVRA.
“A further irony is that the other members have disassociated themselves from the order of the GCZMA. The residents feel betrayed by the GCZMA as the Authority has deliberately chosen to look the other way while the Vainguinim Beach has been destroyed,” said VVRA.
“An issue to ponder upon is the soundness of the order of the GCZMA in the absence of its own experts members opposing its decision,” VVRA added further.
Summarising their complaints and what had happened so far, VRRA alleged that the hotel had sought permission to repair an existing wall.
They also alleged that the hotel had then bought earth moving machines to remove it completely and started building a new wall.
“The NOC issued by GCZMA has certain conditions. It is clear in broad daylight that these conditions have been violated – no permission from local bodies like the Taleigao Village Panchayat, Town and Country Planning Department (TCP) and North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA),” VVRA alleged.
VVRA also criticised WRD, GCZMA and other government bodies for allowing such a wall to be built.
