PERNEM
Authorities on Monday began the process of demolishing 23 structures erected in violation of CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) norms at the Temwada area near Morjim beach.
The action is being carried out in compliance with a High Court order, directing the removal of 23 structures in Temwada.
Accordingly, the demolition drive was launched in the presence of officials from the revenue department, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), Pernem Mamlatdar’s office, the PWD, the electricity department and other agencies. A police team was stationed to maintain law and order during the demolition drive.
The matter originated from a complaint filed by landowner Anil Prabhakar Naik. He had lodged a complaint with the GCZMA, stating that 23 structures were constructed in violation of CRZ regulations and without obtaining the mandatory 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) from the landowner.
According to Dilip Morje, CRZ permission had been obtained for the repair and reconstruction of his original 90-square-metre house.
However, the landowner Anil Naik alleged that the residential house had been converted into a commercial hotel in violation of the permit conditions.
Naik had lodged a complaint against ten individuals—Dilip Morje, Krishna Pednekar, Chandrakant Halankar, Sadguru Halankar, Mohan Halankar, Tukaram Gaonkar, Kalidas Gaonkar, Trivikram Morje, Sadguru Pednekar, and Shridhar Morje—alleging that they had carried out construction work in violation of CRZ regulations.
Anil Naik had approached the Bombay High Court at Goa, alleging that the authorities had failed to act against the unauthorised structures. He sought directions from the court to the authorities concerned to initiate the necessary action.
After hearings at various levels regarding this complaint, the High Court ordered the demolition of the 23 structures erected by the ten individuals in question. Accordingly, government authorities have commenced the actual demolition process.
Meanwhile, while reacting to the action, Dilip Morje stated, “Our ancestral home spanned an area of approximately 90 square metres. We had obtained all necessary government permissions and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the GCZMA for its repair and reconstruction. Yet, our house is being demolished. We demand justice and protection for our original 90-square-metre home," he told local journalists.
Dileep Morje (55) and his son Dhruva (30) were arrested on charges of assaulting an advocate and damaging his vehicle and threatening him and his client at Morjim on Friday, in connection with the court-ordered demolition of their structure. An FIR was also registered against 10 persons.
