PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the Deputy Collector to halt all business activities of 67 establishments on Agonda Beach “ a protected turtle nesting site “ within 24 hours.
The Court on Wednesday also observed a breach by the CRZ authority in complying with its previous order, which had directed the authority to consider whether these establishments should cease operations.
“The last time, the Court issued an order based on my statement that the CRZ authority could consider whether businesses of these establishments should be stopped. Unfortunately, the CRZ failed to comply with that statement, putting them in contempt of court. As a result, the court has now passed this order,” Advocate General Devidas Pangam said while briefing on the hearing.
The High Court had earlier directed the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to take action against business establishments built near the protected nesting site.
The petitioner had argued that the area had been declared a No Development Zone while raising concerns about the impact of illegal constructions. The petition mentioned that 82,000 square metres of beach stretch in question was designated as a turtle nesting site with Agonda Beach having zero carrying capacity.
On March 3, the GCZMA had assured the court that it would expedite hearings on the show-cause notices issued to operators of the 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.
