MAPUSA
A dozen “illegal” structures including a residential house constructed in the no-development zone (NDZ) have come under the scanner of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) for violation of Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) rules in Siolim.
The constructions have come up along the banks of Chapora River at Uddo, Siolim and consist of structures mostly used for commercial activity. A couple of residential houses have also been constructed in the area.
The GCZMA has issued notices to the owners of 12 illegal structures asking them to show cause why the structures should not be demolished.
The coastal authority found that the structures were constructed within 100 metres of the high tide line (HTL) of the river flouting the CRZ notification 2011.
“It is observed that you have not obtained any prior approval of the GCZMA for the purpose of alleged illegal construction as required under the CRZ Notification 1991/2011. You are directed to show cause why a direction to demolish the structures and to restore the land to its original condition should not be issued to you,” said Dasharath Redkar, Member Secretary of GCZMA.
He also directed the owners not to carry out any kind of civil work at the said site.
Further, the owners were asked to produce any construction/reconstruction/repair approvals from concerned authorities along with approved plans and title documents.
They were further asked to remain present for a personal hearing in the GCZMA office at Patto, Panaji on April 28.
The GCZMA while verifying claims of CRZ violation in coastal Siolim found that some locals were involved in grabbing government land and issued directions to the North Goa Collector to reclaim the government land to its original position.
During an inquiry, it was found that the property bearing survey no 119/1 and 119 at Uddo, Siolim was recorded in the name of the Government of Goa in Form I and XIV.
Later, the Additional Collector-1 North Goa conducted a detailed inquiry and submitted a list of encroachments on government land at Uddo beach in Siolim.
Earlier, in another order issued in March 2021, the GCZMA had directed the deputy collector of Bardez to seal an illegal commercial structure consisting of 20 rooms in the same area, bang on the Uddo beach in Siolim.
The coastal authority had also directed the deputy collector to collect a penalty amount of Rs 5 lakh from the proprietor of the structure.
