MAPUSA
Seven years after the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) ordered the demolition of illegal structures of the Nazri Resort in Calangute “ linked to sitting Calangute MLA Michael Lobo “ the resort continues to stand tall and operate, exposing the glaring gap between judicial orders and their execution when politically powerful interests are involved.
The GCZMA had first passed a demolition order on July 9, 2018, directing M/s Elite Builders, through its partner Michael Lobo, to demolish illegal constructions on property bearing survey nos. 319/2, 3, 5 and 12 of Calangute village.
The resort owners challenged the order before the National Green Tribunal, which dismissed the appeal.
The matter was then taken to the Supreme Court, which, in a final order dated April 8, 2024, also dismissed the appeal, leaving no legal ambiguity.
Yet, despite clear and final directions from statutory and judicial authorities, the demolition never took place.
Only last month, the GCZMA once again wrote to the Deputy Collector and SDO, Bardez, directing them to execute the demolition order and submit a compliance report “ highlighting years of official inaction.
Frustrated by what he terms a “go-slow approach” to protect the influential, Assagao-based activist Desmond Alvares wrote to the GCZMA pointing out the non-execution of its own order.
He has also filed a writ petition in the High Court, accusing the State government, GCZMA and the Calangute panchayat of deliberate, wilful and systematic inaction to shield a politically powerful developer.
In a significant escalation, Michael Lobo has now been directed to respond by February 4, bringing renewed focus to a case that starkly illustrates how illegal coastal constructions survive years after being struck down by every legal forum, including the apex court.
Attempts to contact Michael Lobo for his response were unsuccessful, as he did not answer the calls.
