PANJIM: Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has directed Tourism Department not to allow water sports activities along the beaches of Morjim, Mandrem, Agonda and Galgibaga as these have been designated as turtle nesting sites.
The decision was taken after a complaint was filed by State Forest Department and NGO Goa Foundation with regards to commencement of water sports activities on Morjim beach.
The complainants pointed out that as per the CRZ Notification 2011, Morjim beach has been designated as a turtle nesting site and protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
It brought to the notice of the authorities that some motorised water sports equipment has been placed on the beach for commercial use, the portion kept by Forest Department for turtle nesting.
Accordingly, during its recent meeting, GCZMA noted that the Morjim area is notified as turtle nesting site and is categorised as CRZ I zone.
It has directed officials from Captain of Ports, Tourism and Forest Departments to remain present for a hearing before them during the next meeting. “In the meantime directions are to be issued to Directorate (Tourism) not to allow water sport activity in the beaches of Morjim, Mandrem, Agonda and Galgibaga which are designated as turtle nesting sites,” the minutes of the meeting stated.
GCZMA in the past had issued directions to Tourism Department not to allow any tourism activities in the areas designated as turtle nesting sites.
