PANAJI
The State government on Wednesday informed the High Court of Bombay at Goa that the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has notified a new Sea Turtle Nesting & Habitat Plan to protect and preserve turtle nesting sites at Morjim and Agonda. The details of the plan have been uploaded on the GCZMA website.
The submission was made during a hearing on a plea regarding alleged illegal constructions on Agonda beach.
On March 6, the Division Bench, comprising Justice M. S. Karnik and Justice Nivedita Mehta, had sought the government’s response regarding its earlier assurance on finalising the draft turtle management plan. The State was asked to submit a reply by March 12.
Regarding illegal commercial structures, the High Court ordered the de-sealing of four out of 63 structures in Agonda, allowing them to resume operations. The decision came after the owners produced mandatory permissions from the Tourism Department, GCZMA, Goa State Pollution Control Board, and the Fire Department.
The GCZMA had earlier ordered the sealing of 63 structures following the High Court’s order.
For the remaining structures, the Bench, after considering a submission from Advocate General Devidas Pangam, directed the GCZMA to complete proceedings within four weeks and take appropriate action.
“The owners of these structures should approach the GCZMA with all necessary permissions for the hearing, and a decision must be taken accordingly,” the AG said.
The Court has scheduled the next hearing after four weeks, by which time the proceedings are expected to conclude. Hearings into show cause notices were preponed by the GCZMA following the Court’s intervention.
The government also admitted that several operators have not filed their replies with the GCZMA.
Meanwhile, regarding the de-sealing of structures that have complied with regulations, the High Court has directed that action be taken within a week.
