Dy Collector told to execute demolition if resort owner fails to comply
The controversial retaining wall put up at the Sernabatim beach.
MARGAO
The controversial retaining wall constructed at the Sernabatim beach at Colva by a beach resort has been finally ordered to be demolished by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA).
Exercising powers conferred by section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 read with sub-rule (3) (a) of rule 4 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, read with power vested with the GCZMA vide Order S.O. 6071(E) dated 27/12/2022 issued by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, GCZMA Director Johnson Fernandes had directed the beach resort to demolish retaining wall within one month from receipt of this order. The owner has been directed to submit a compliance to the GCZMA office failing which the concerned Deputy Collector/SDO of Salcete, shall demolish retaining wall. The order has further told the Dy Collector & SDO of Salcete to submit a compliance report to the GCZMA within next three days of expiry of the 30 days time period.
A glance at the order issued by the GCZMA Director Johnson has revealed that the GCZMA has issued the demolition order on the ground that the beach resort did not produce the permission issued by the Authority to build the wall.
“The Authority perused the records and has observed that the Respondent (beach resort) has not produced any documents to prove that the retaining wall has been with permission from the GCZMA or of any other competent Authority”, Johnson said.
Johnson added: Besides this, the Authority also observed that the measures to arrest the soil erosion were of not soft in nature but were hard in nature, which results in affecting the coastal region at different location. Environmental compensation should also be levied for such acts of the Respondent. The Authority decided to issue demolition orders”.
Action against the beach resort for constructing the retaining wall came after Colva-based NGO, Colva Civic and Consumer Forum had complained to the GCZMA since the year 2021.
In fact, proceedings have been going on before the GCZMA over the last three years with the Authority issue the stop work order for the ongoing work at the site. The beach resort was also directed to deposit with the GCZMA a fine of Rs 10 lakhs, which was compiled by the owner.
At the GCZMA meeting held on November 16, 2023, it was pointed out that the Authority had received a complaint from the complainant Judith Almeida, Secretary Colva Civic and Consumer Forum that the resort is allegedly carrying out illegal activities in the property in question.
“The Authority inspected the site through its technical team and as per their report, the owner was carrying out restoration work by construction of gabion retaining wall as per directions of this Authority for which Authority directed Biodiversity Board to supervise said construction of gabion wall. The Authority further decided to issue directions to Goa State Biodiversity Board to inspect the site and verify any violations and submit the report on next date of hearing”, the order added.
