PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to seal 20 establishments in Agonda that are operating without mandatory consent.
The directive on Thursday followed the Board’s submission confirming that 24 units including resorts in Agonda, have been functioning without the required permissions. Of these, 20 units were also ordered to suspend operations.
The Division Bench comprising Justice M S Karnik and Justice Nivedita Mehta instructed the officials to seal the premises and directed the Deputy Collector to ensure that the procedure was carried out in accordance with the law.
The Bench has also sought the government’s response regarding its earlier assurance on the final notification of the draft turtle management plan. The State is asked to submit a reply by March 12 which is when the Court will hear the matter.
Meanwhile, in her submission to the High Court of Bombay at Goa on Thursday, GSPCB Member Secretary Shamila Monteiro stated that officials inspected the units based on data provided by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA). During the inspection, multiple units were found operating under some serial number references and 24 units were found to be functioning without the GSPCB’s consent.
“Out of the 24 units, four have applied for consent, which is being processed, while the remaining 20 have been issued directions to suspend operations. Letters have also been issued to eight units to register under the White Category, and one such application has already been received for registration,” Monteiro submitted to the Court, made in response to an ongoing Public Interest Litigation against illegal structures on Agonda beach.
During the last hearing on March 3, the GCZMA assured the court that it would expedite hearings regarding show-cause notices issued to 67 illegal structures identified around the beach. The authority also committed to deciding on further action against commercial activities based on the replies and supporting documents submitted by the concerned parties.
The High Court thereafter directed the GSPCB to take appropriate action against structures operating without the required consent. The State government has also assured the High Court that it will soon notify the draft plan to safeguard all turtle nesting sites across the State’s beaches.
