Dy Collector directed to demolish structure in NDZ
MAPUSA
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has imposed a fine of Rs 2.04 crore against a resort in Candolim for damaging the environment by carrying out illegal construction in the no-development zone.
Shrem Resorts Pvt Ltd has been directed to comply with the order of the GCZMA and the High Court and pay the environmental compensation to the GCZMA before May 27.
Earlier, in 2019, the GCZMA had directed the deputy collector and SDM of Bardez to demolish ‘Toy Beach Club’, an illegal structure, owned by M/s Shrem Resorts Pvt Ltd.
The coastal authority has asked the deputy collector to submit the estimated cost required for carrying out the demolition of the structure.
“The owners of the resort have carried out violations in the no-development zone (NDZ) and consequently destroyed the ecology and biodiversity of the area. They are directed to pay an amount of Rs 2.04 crore as damages caused to the environment with regards to the illegal construction carried out in survey no 146/4E of Candolim,” said Dashrath Redkar, Member Secretary of GCZMA .
Incidentally, the GCZMA imposed the fine and also called for the demolition of the structure on the directions of the High Court.
The petitioners, Roshan Mathias and Goa Foundation had in a writ petition approached the High Court against the illegal construction and commercial operation of the Toy Beach Club owned by M/s Shrem Resorts Pvt Ltd in survey no 146/4E at Murrod Vaddo, Candolim, for the damaged caused to the coastal environment.
While environmentalists have raised concern about the damage caused to Goa’s coast, in February the GCZMA decided to form a committee to work out a formula for the calculation of environmental compensation to be recovered from violators.
Some of the violations determined by the authority include changing the course of the natural landscape, erection of temporary or permanent structures, destruction of native vegetation, damage to dunes and construction of swimming pools.
