MAPUSA
In a significant action against illegal coastal constructions, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has ordered the demolition of 12 structures, including several houses and compound walls, built on government land at Udo in coastal Siolim.
The action follows a detailed investigation by the GCZMA in coordination with officials from the Revenue Department. The inquiry revealed that all 12 structures were illegally constructed within a no-development zone on Survey No 119/1, located on the banks of the River Chapora at Bhailo Udo, Siolim.
Out of 16 cases examined by the coastal authority, only four structures were found to have existed before 1991, with their owners providing documentary evidence to substantiate their claims.
The remaining 12 failed to prove the legality of their construction.
In its order, the GCZMA noted that the violators had failed to establish that their houses existed before 1991, as required under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification.
“The documents submitted by the respondents do not establish that the house existed prior to 1991; rather, the records contradict their claims. The survey plans and Form I & XIV do not reflect any such structures, confirming that the constructions are illegal and liable for demolition,” the order stated.
The investigation into the illegal constructions began in 2019, following a formal complaint filed by Alex Pereira a local with the GCZMA.
Based on the complaint, the Additional Collector-I, North Goa, initiated an inquiry and attached a list of encroachments in Survey No 119/1.
Subsequently, show cause notices were issued to all alleged violators, and hearings were conducted before the authority.
During the proceedings, several owners submitted documents claiming ownership or existence of the structures prior to 1991.
However, the GCZMA found these documents to be bogus and inconsistent, ruling that the constructions violated CRZ norms and encroached upon government land.
According to the complainant, many of the structures were second homes, built by individuals who already owned residential properties elsewhere and intended to use the coastal properties for commercial purposes.
The GCZMA has directed all violators to demolish the identified structures at their own cost.
The authority is also expected to initiate follow-up action in coordination with local administrative agencies to ensure compliance.
