OLD GOA
Stating that the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority’s (GCZMA) decision to drop a show-cause notice and stop-work order to a starred hotel for construction of a retaining wall at Bambolim beach was biased, St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar has said that he would challenge the same legally while also raising it in the Assembly.
Addressing reporters in Panaji on Monday, Borkar said he was shocked when the report appeared in The Goan that the GCZMA does not have power to review its own decisions and or re-evaluate permissions once they have been granted.
"If that is so, then why was the show-cause notice and subsequent stop-work order issued?" Borkar quipped.
"This is nothing but a biased decision by the GCZMA aimed at protecting the interests of the starred hotel which is clearly evident from the fact that the issue was decided within three months," Borkar informed.
Further, the MLA stated that the licence issued in 2021 was itself illegal as no concrete can be allowed to be used for construction on the beach.
"But the GCZMA has ignored the same and cited the issue of jetties and harbours to support their decision, which is totally wrong as the Bambolim beach retaining wall does not pertain to any jetty or harbour," Borkar said.
Further, Borkar pointed to the growing number of cases before the GCZMA which are going on for ages, but in this case it was decided within three months.
"It all points to the GCZMA being under pressure to rule in favour of the violators," Borkar opined, but said that he will not keep quiet.
"I will explore all legal options to challenge the GCZMA decision and will consult the other complainants over the issue," he stated, while adding that he would also keep an eye on the moves of the TCP as well as Curca panchayat on their stop-work order notices.
The MLA also informed that he will take the government to task over the issue in the upcoming Assembly session as well.
Finally, Borkar warned the GCZMA member secretary that he will be held accountable for taking such biased decisions.
