PANAJI
The coastal regulatory body has pulled up Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) for undertaking excavation, destruction of beach vegetation and changing the coastal morphology by causing major damage to Morjim beach ecosystem.
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has now directed deployment of coastal police for regular patrolling to prevent recurrence of illegal activities in near future. The GCZMA noted that GTDC undertook work under guise of beautification, in close proximity of turtle nesting site, in complete violation of CRZ norms.
During its meeting, the Authority pointed out that GTDC was provided NOC for beautification and providing basic amenities at Morjim beach promenade and were specially instructed not to undertake any digging. However, the site inspection by the experts confirmed sand excavation in violation of CRZ guidelines.
“In this case large scale excavation has been done with destruction of beach vegetation and change to the coastal morphology causing major damage to the ecosystem within a No Development Zone,” GCZMA noted while directing the GTDC to immediately halt all excavation work on site.
The Authority noted that the work of excavation, filling and levelling of beach sand was being carried out by two bulldozers of JCB in NDZ between 0-200 meters from the high tide line of CRZ III as per CZMP 2011.
“The two bulldozers were excavating beach sand at an average depth of 1.5 meters to 2 meters and filling and levelling the low lying beach area. The work carried out is spread over an area of approximately 2000 sq mtrs, which is at an approximate distance of 80 meters from the turtle nesting and conservation site at Tembwada, Morjim,” the Authority observed.
The Authority has now directed Goa State Biodiversity Board to conduct an inspection to assess the environmental damage and prepare a management plan to restore the site to its original condition and accordingly environmental compensation will be imposed on the violators.
The alleged violation at the beach was initially identified two locals, who brought to the notice of GCZMA officials.
