PANAJI
The State government on Monday admitted the presence of 67 illegal structures near Agonda Beach, where turtle nesting sites are located. However, it maintained that there were no illegal structures on the beach itself.
During the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against illegal structures in Agonda, Advocate General Devidas Pangam informed the Court that an inspection report had identified 67 illegal structures. The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has already issued show-cause notices to these structures.
While the hearings for these notices are scheduled for March 27, the Division Bench of Justice M.S. Karnik and Justice Nivedita Mehta directed the GCZMA to expedite the disposal of these cases and consider preponing the hearings.
The Court has also sought clarification on whether any of these illegal structures near the beach are being used for commercial activities. If so, the Court has directed immediate action against them. The GCZMA has further been instructed to submit a detailed report within a week, including specifics on the nature of these structures.
The High Court also sought information regarding the number of structures in 2017 and any subsequent increase in their count and area. This follows a 2017 report stating that no more than the existing number of structures should be present.
The Court is currently hearing the PIL, which urges the demolition of allegedly illegal constructions on Agonda Beach. The petition cited concerns about large-scale unauthorised constructions, including semi-permanent and permanent structures made of steel fabrication, brick, RCC, and mortar.
The petition further alleged that commercial operations continue on Agonda Beach despite its designation as a turtle nesting zone within the No Development Zone, as per the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011. This regulation classifies the area within 200 metres of the High Tide Line as highly fragile and eco-sensitive.
The AG has clarified that there is construction on private property near the beach but not directly on the beach itself.
