Week before NGT fine, GCZMA had decided on demolitions

PANJIM: Just a week before National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a fine of Rs one crore on Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) for not enforcing its directions towards preservation of turtle nesting sites, the Authority had resolved to demolish around 180 structures, which were operating illegally in the No Development Zone along the beach belt of Mandrem, Morjim, Galgibaga and Agonda. 

On Saturday, the Pernem and Canacona deputy collectors issued the orders for demolition.

The Authority had even decided to impose a fine of Rs one lakh each on the violators as noted by the green bench in its order dated November 2, 2017. 

GCZMA in its 197th Board meeting held on April 26 had resolved to demolish all the resorts or establishments which are operating without approval or No objection certificate from the Authority in terms of the order passed by NGT. The decision was based on the report submitted by the three-member committee constituted by NGT. The report was submitted on April 24. 

There are 171 structures identified to be demolished by GCZMA based on the report and the joint site inspection conducted along with Forest Department officials in March. 

NGT, through an order dated November 2, 2017, had directed GCZMA to take action against temporary structures constructed along the beaches of Morjim, Mandrem, Galgibaga and Agonda without specific permission from GCZMA in the No Development Zone (NDZ). 

The tribunal had also issued directions to GCZMA to enforce the recommendations of the Forest Department for preservation of turtle nesting sites like no beach beds to be set up in the intertidal zone and beach shacks to desist from installing any outdoor illumination. The indoor lighting should also be muted and provided with opaque shields on sea facing side, playing of loud music by the shacks beyond 6 pm and holding of beach parties to be prohibited, etc. 

Accordingly, Goa Paryavaran Savrakshan Sangharsh Samitee moved the green bench stating that their order dated November, 2017 was not implemented. 

On Wednesday, May 1, the NGT heard the execution petition filed by Goa Paryavaran Sanrakshan Sangharsh Samiti and the bench comprising Justices SP Wangdi, K Ramakrishnan and Nagin Nanda issued a show cause notice to GCZMA asking why disciplinary proceedings should not be initiated against it for having failed to act on its directions.

The NGT bench ordered “For its failure in terms of the order dated 02.11.2017, the GCZMA shall deposit an interim environment compensation of Rs 1 Crore to be deposited with the Central Pollution Control Board within a period of 1 week. A compliance report in respect of the above be filed before this Tribunal by e-mail within 3 weeks.”