MARGAO
Strange it may seem, but true that a complainant has claimed undue delay in issuing demolition orders by the Authority as per the decisions for demolitions of structures taken at the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA).
Social activist Judith Almeida pointed out that a couple of cases have been kept for orders by the GCZMA on several occasions, but the orders have not been forthcoming.
She has feared that delay in issuing demolition orders based on the decisions taken by the Authority will only further delay the proceedings, adding, “in the event of a change in the Member Secretary, the new official will conduct fresh hearings and post the matter for order. In the event of a change in the Authority Chairman during the intervening period, a fresh hearing begins further delaying the process.”
In one case, Judith pointed out there was an order to restore land, but it was not communicated to her, but the media had carried the minutes of the meeting without the issuance of the order.
“Based on the newspaper reports, the respondent had filed a review. The GCZMA had asked the complainant to respond. The complainant had objected, but till date no order has been communicated,” she said, adding that in the meantime, severe environmental damage continues.
She cited another instance where the GCZMA had decided to demolish certain structures, but strangely the order was not communicated to the parties, but once again the media has carried the decision.
Demanding justification for the delay by the GCZMA in not issuing the demolition orders, Judith has called for making the Member Secretaries accountable for the delay in issuing the orders so that public-spirited citizens are not meted harassment.
“The GCZMA should decide if it really respects the Environment Protection Act 1986,” she said, fearing that such behaviour of the GCZMA will only encourage further violations.”
She added: “Unless the GCZMA remains independent in its functioning and there is non-interference in its functioning from the political class, Goa’s coast will be lost to greed and corruption. The matter pertains to the suo moto writ petition. It’s a decade-long struggle to get environmental justice.”
