MAPUSA
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has issued notices to the State government, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) and Calangute panchayat in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the alleged destruction of beach vegetation, sand dunes and trees on government land under the custody of the Tourism Department at Tivai Waddo, Calangute.
The PIL has been filed by Calangute residents Maria Loretta Fernandes and Fatima Rodrigues, who have alleged that large tracts of fragile beach vegetation were cleared and development activity was carried out on Tourism Department land in the vicinity of Survey Nos 149/2 to 149/6.
The petition states that the affected area falls within the no-development zone (NDZ) and is located along the public beach.
According to the petition, the clearing activity began in the last week of July, with more than 700 square metres of beach vegetation allegedly being cleared using earth-moving machinery. The petitioners have further alleged that mature trees were uprooted, while white beach sand was removed from the site and red mud and rubble were brought in to create a road access.
The petition claims that around 15 to 20 truckloads of beach sand were removed and nearly 25 truckloads of red mud were brought to the location.
It also alleges that construction debris was dumped at the site and that the activity was undertaken without obtaining permission from the Tourism Department, GCZMA or the local panchayat.
The petitioners have alleged that despite complaints submitted to the authorities on July 29 and 31, no site inspection was carried out and no stop-work order was issued.
They have also alleged that the authorities failed to take adequate steps to protect the fragile coastal ecosystem.
The petition further alleges that the cleared area was being projected as a site for sports activity, with two goalposts placed at the location, but claims that the actual intention was to create access to properties beyond the site and facilitate development in the NDZ.
The petitioners have sought directions for an immediate site inspection, halting of all development activity and action against those responsible.
They have also sought an assessment of the environmental damage by experts, restoration of the destroyed vegetation and removal of the red mud and debris from the site.
The PIL also seeks interim directions to stop further work, prevent access to the cleared area and seize machinery allegedly used for the clearing activity.
The High Court has issued notices to authorities concerned and posted the matter for hearing on September 16.
