Work of levelling is going on in full swing in CRZ areas at Dando, Candolim.
MAPUSA
Candolim Sarpanch Fermino Fernandes admitted that destruction of sand dunes and beach vegetation has taken place in two properties at Dando, Candolim, violating the coastal regulatory zone (CRZ) norms, but besides issuing regulatory notices has failed to take any concrete action or stop the alleged illegality along the coast.
Fernandes also said the panchayat has conducted inspections at both sites and has written to CRZ authorities to take action against the perpetrators of the crime.
But without issuing a stop-work order, the work at the site is going on in full swing.
“In one property, the owner has levelled the place, but there is no construction coming up there. But since some vegetation has been destroyed, we have complained to the forest department and the CRZ. In the second property, a plinth has been constructed. We have written to the CRZ and also issued a show-cause to the owner,” Fernandes said.
The action of the Candolim panchayat came only after the Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF) intervened in the matter and lodged complaints against the destruction before the panchayat besides the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority and the Deputy Collector, Mapusa.
CCF President Premanand Diukar informed that massive destruction of beach vegetation and sand dunes was carried out in properties by constructing a plinth with concrete columns and rubble stones and dumping red mud in No Development Zone (NDZ) area within 50 mtrs from HTL.
Diukar alleged that in one property, a hotelier had constructed a plinth area with 16 concrete columns with side beams and filled the same with rubble stones in the NDZ area which is in violation of CRZ notification 2011.
He said the CZMA issues permission for temporary wooden huts within 100 mtrs of HTL line but such permissions were misused for pucca construction in NDZ area within the 0 to 200 HTL.
According to Diukar, in the second property the owner has destroyed the beach environment by levelling the golden white sand dunes and shaving off beach vegetation.
He said in spite of the inspection conducted by the panchayat, there is no stop-order issued against the alleged illegal constructions and the work has been going on full swing in the area.
“Authorities concerned are turning a blind eye to the illegalities. Despite writing to the deputy collector and the GCZMA, no action is forthcoming. In such circumstances, it becomes difficult for NGOs like us who work to save the environment and the State from destruction,” Diukar rued.
