VASCO
Amid the loud voices of dissent by locals in the port town over the beautification of Baina beach, it finally took a native of Maharashtra to mount a legal challenge against the construction work.
Rajabhau Lahanu Pawar of Maharashtra has filed a case in the National Green Tribunal in Pune against Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC), Chief Secretary and Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), accusing them of carrying out beautification of Baina beach in violation of CRZ norms.
The petitioner alleged that the work was being executed in 'No Development Zone', violating the Coastal Regulation Zone notification, 2011.
The case filed by Rajabhau Lahanu Pawar is scheduled to come up for hearing in NGT on October 4 and NGT has directed MMC, chief secretary and GTDC to remain present in court.
When contacted, MMC Chairperson Deepak Naik confirmed that the council had received a notice from NGT to attend a court hearing in Pune on October 4 regarding the Baina beach beautification.
“We have referred the matter to our legal counsel, who will represent the council in the NGT on October 4,” said Naik.
When asked to throw more light on the NGT notice, Naik said nothing is mentioned in the notice except directing the council, the Chief Secretary and GTDC officials to remain present in the court on October 4.
“Once our legal counsel attends the court on October 4, we will be able to know why we have been made party to Baina beach beautification and accordingly, our legal counsel will know the matter. Once we know the entire matter and why we have been made party to the Baina beach beautification, we will take necessary steps,” said Naik.
It may be recalled that Mormugao Vasco Citizens Forum (MVCF) on August 23 filed a complaint with Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority in connection with construction of concrete structures at Baina beach, as a part of beach beautification by GTDC, in violation of CRZ notification 2011.
The MVCF had set a deadline of 15 days to stop the ongoing work, but the GCZMA turned a blind eye and continued the work in full swing.
