MAPUSA
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has informed the High Court that former Sarpanch of Arambol, Bernard Fernandes has yet to demolish several illegal structures belonging to him in the village. However, Fernandes contested this claim, asserting that he had already demolished the temporary illegal structures.
The remaining structures, he argued, are permanent, and he has filed an appeal challenging the demolition order, which is still awaiting a hearing by the authorities.
Fernandes, who previously served as the Sarpanch of Arambol village, was elected as a panchayat member from Ward No 4 (Girkarwada), where around 187 structures were discovered in a No-Development Zone (NDZ).
Of these, approximately 61 constructions were found to be illegal, lacking the necessary licenses, permissions, and occupancy certificates. During the a public interest litigation (PIL) proceedings, Fernandes acknowledged that some of the structures in question were owned by his relatives, further complicating the case.
The High Court has now adjourned the matter for Monday and directed both the Arambol Panchayat and the GCZMA to submit a detailed chart explaining the status of the illegal structures.
