MARGAO
The authorities seemed to have finally taken cognizance of the uproar at the Sernabatim beach belt, where activists and residents had complained of construction of retaining wall on the beach allegedly in violation of the CRZ regulations.
In fact, the Sub-divisional Magistrate, Margao, deputy Collector, Uday Prabhudesai on Friday issued stop work order to the Director of a hotel project to forthwith stop all work at the site. That’s not all. Prabhudesai has directed the Director to appear before him with all relevant documents/permissions obtained from various authorities for the construction within 24 hours either in person or through duly appointed agent/pleader.
The stop work order has directed the Mamlatdar of Salcete and the Police Inspector, Colva Police Station to implement the order forthwith till further orders.
The action against the hotel firm has come following a complaint lodged by the Secretary, Colva Civic & Consumer Forum, Judith Almeida, alleging that the firm was involved reconstructing/erecting a retaining wall by destroying the sand dunes on western side of the property at Sernabatim village within CRZ norms and which activity is not in conformity with the guidelines of Coastal Regulation Zone Management Authority.
“The talathi of Colva has reported that you are constructing/erecting a retaining wall by destroying the sand dunes on western side of the property at village Sernabatim, Salcete Taluka within CRZ norms and which activity is not in conformity with the guidelines of coastal Regulation Zone Management Authority”, the stop work order further stated.
The order added: “You are carrying out the illegal activity in Sernabatim Village of Salcete Taluka, without requisite permissions from various authorities and thereby violating the norms laid down by the CRZ authorities”.
The order was issued by the deputy Collector in exercise of the powers vested in him vide Circular issued by the Chief Secretary (Environment) Member Secretary (GCZMA) under reference No.1-20-2004-CS/1898 dated 1/11/2006.
Colva police station in-charge, PI Therron D’Costa said the police would ensure that the stop work order issued by the Sub-divisional Magistrate, Margao is enforced.
The Sernabatim beach development had triggered an uproar with social activist Judith Almeida directing her ire at the GCZMA for inaction. In fact, Judith had told media that even assuming the GCZMA had issued permission to the firm to construct the retaining wall, it was the bounden duty of the Authority to check whether the work was undertaken as per the specifications.
