VASCO: Mormugao Vasco Citizens Forum (MVCF) and other residents of the port town, besides politicians who had objected to the concrete construction by Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) at Baina beach as part of beautification project have welcomed the Goa Foundation move to petition NGT over the project.
“It is good thing done by Goa Foundation as somebody has to take such a step. Even though we were fighting concretization at Baina beach, we took little more time because of unavailability of funds. We are happy that Goa Foundation has taken a lead and are hopeful that justice will be given as having concrete structures on the beach would destroy it,” Andrew Alvares, President of MVCF said.
Earlier, one Rajabhau Pawar had filed a petition before NGT against the project. NGT had admitted the petition, but refused to grant a stay as the petitioner was unable to substantiate the allegations of violations.
“Goa Foundation has filed a foolproof petition before NGT, with documentary evidence to establish concrete constructions taking place at Baina beach”, said Vasco businessman and politician Nazir Khan.
According to Khan, the High Court of Bombay at Goa had earlier passed an order in a writ petition filed by one Leonard Lobo. At that time it was also another government agency (GSUDA) that had planned and constructed structures which were later demolished and the authorities involved asked to pay penalties on the grounds that the structures were erected in NDZ.
“As per the GCZMA order, the hutments on Baina beach were demolished as they were violating CRZ norms. How come GCZMA has allowed concrete structures on the beach? Is it not violating CRZ, though GCZMA might have given its permission?” Baina resident Taurappa Lamani said.
