PORVORIM
Human Rights Defenders (HRD) has written a letter to Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral and Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho, requesting them to direct the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority and Reis Magos Panchayat to demolish a hotel illegally constructed in the village.
Addressing a news conference at Reis Magos, HRD President Advino Fernandes said the Bardez Mamlatdar, while acting on their complaint, had directed the Reis Magos Talathi on February 10, 2015, to conduct an inquiry and a site inspection of the hotel.
“The Talathi conducted the site inspection and submitted his report on May 6, 2015, to the Bardez Mamlatdar stating that the construction of the hotel was within 100 metres from high tide line and no approval had been given by Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority.”
“The Talathi also stated that there is a violation of CRZ regulations,” said Fernandes.
“In its letter dated May 14, 2019, the GCZMA confirmed they have not granted any specific permission for the construction of structure at the site.”
“The plan approved by TCP and Reis Magos Panchayat in 1995 for the construction of a hotel on the property shows an approximate area 700 sq mtrs, which is half of constructed area mentioned in the Talathi’s report.”
Fernandes said the HRD had appealed to the Reis Magos panchayat on July 12, 2019, to demolish the illegal structure.
“However, the panchayat has not initiated steps to date to demolish the structure. Due to inaction on the part of Reis Magos Panchayat and GCZMA, we have requested the Environment Minister and Panchayats Minister to intervene in the matter and direct the panchayat to demolish the structure,” said Fernandes.
