MARGAO
South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes has demanded a thorough, impartial and independent investigation into the alleged omission of the sand dune at Cavelossim from the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) map by the contractor tasked with mapping the coastline and documenting its distinct geographical features, including sand dunes.
He alleged that the omission of this ecologically sensitive feature facilitated the destruction of the sand dune and the surrounding eco-sensitive area.
The MP also called for an inquiry into the multiple complaints lodged by Cavelossim villagers and environmental activists regarding the destruction of the sand dune, and demanded that the circumstances surrounding the alleged violations be thoroughly investigated.
In a representation addressed to the Member Secretary, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), the MP has demanded to invoke relevant clauses mentioned in the contract/ tender related to the preparation of the CZMP map while awarding contract to the L.1 bidder for mapping/ preparation of CZMP and initiate appropriate legal measures vide relevant criminal sections of BNS under intimation to the undersigned for intentional omission/ concealment of the sand dune with ulterior motive to help property owner to eventually destroy the sand dune to enable exploitation for commercial purpose. “If need be, seek a criminal investigation on the role of the Contractor who was tasked to map the eco-sensitive areas including sand dunes and the criminal conspiracy in excluding the mapping of the said sand dune,” the MP demanded in the presentation with a further plea to the GCZMA to file a criminal case against the owners of the property M/s Ashford SCDC Resort LLP, Mumbai as well as against the contractors involved in the destruction of the said sand dune at Cavelossim.
“It was shocking and disturbing to see the massive destruction of sand dunes as captured on the geo-tagged photographs when I visited the area on November 8. Also, the high rising fence using metallic sheets erected at the site surrounding the property raises grave doubts and questions regarding the real intention of the owner/ contractor as enquiries revealed that the panchayat has only issued a licence for erecting a bio fence,” he said.
He added: “Unfortunately, scrutiny of the GCZMA order vide letter GCZMA/S/ILLE-Compl/26-27/31/2253 dated 03/11/2026 reveals that the same does not mention the date of the inspection undertaken by GCZMA. Notwithstanding, the observations at Para 5, 6 and 7 of GCZMA Order clearly points to the merciless destruction of the sand dune which itself is CRZ-1A and the entire eco-sensitive area and thus vindicates the stand of the complainants that the property owner had violated the sanctity of the sand dune and the eco-sensitiveness of the area.”
Saying the November 9 High Court order is a castigating assertion that the sand dune and the eco-sensitive area has been destroyed in violation of the CRZ rules, the MP further said the findings of gravel/ metal in the property as well as stocking of laterite stones and rubble clearly indicates the intention of the property owner to destroy the sand dune and undertake construction of concrete structure(s).
“Examination of satellite images and scientific information reveals that the sand dune in property bearing survey no. 99/2-E has existed since time immemorial. Further, discussion with locals belonging to the fishermen community as well as toddy tappers community revealed that the sand dune has existed since their birth, going back to 60-70 years. Hence the attempts by vested interests to claim that the sand dune is man-made is false and an attempt to mislead the investigation and help the property owner to destroy the sand dune,” he said.
He added: “Examination of the GCZMA plan prepared through a contractor indicates that the contractor has intentionally missed out mapping the said sand dune in property bearing Survey No. 99/2-E in village Cavelossim. Further scrutiny revealed that the villagers post scrutiny of the draft GCZMA plan for their village had raised objections to the same and had submitted suggestions/ objections but the GCZMA officials had cleverly sidelined the same. It now points to a possibility of a conspiracy comprising the GCZMA officials, the contractor hired to prepare the CZMA plans and owners of property to alter the geographical markings/ features on the ground.
Plea to South Goa Collector to initiate criminal action
As destruction of the sand dune amounts to removal of a natural protective shield which will eventually result in the village facing a possible environmental disaster in case of floods/cyclone/tsunami or any other natural calamity, the MP requested the district Collector to direct concerned authorities/ police station to initiate action under relevant sections of BNS against the owners of the property and the contractors.
