Pulls up GCZMA for wrongly clearing constructions
PANAJI
The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Western Zone Bench at Pune, has directed the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to demolish 24 cottage blocks, one restaurant and two reception blocks built in Ashwem village, after holding that the structures violated Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules.
The order was passed on January 22, 2026, by a Bench comprising Judicial Member Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and Expert Member Dr Sujit Kumar Bajpayee, while disposing of an appeal filed by Chandan Suryakant Khorjuvekar against GCZMA and others.
The appeal challenged a decision taken by GCZMA in its meeting held on October 23, 2023, in which the authority had discharged show-cause notices issued to Pankaj Chopra and Goldy Chopra for several structures at Survey No. 211/2-A3 at Mandrem Beach in Pernem taluka.
The appellant argued that although GCZMA had ordered the demolition of some structures, it had wrongly cleared 24 cottage blocks, one restaurant, one reception block and a concrete storm water drain, despite alleged violations of CRZ conditions. The appeal also sought directions to GCZMA to take a final decision on nine cottage blocks which, according to the appellant, were not included in the earlier decision.
During the hearing, reference was made to a revised approval granted by GCZMA on June 9, 2021, which allowed only temporary seasonal structures made of wood or natural and biodegradable materials. The approval clearly prohibited the use of cement concrete and permanent construction.
The Tribunal relied on a site inspection report dated August 30, 2022, based on an inspection conducted on August 27, 2022. The report stated that the cottage blocks were supported on reinforced cement concrete (RCC) columns. It also noted that foundation details could not be verified due to excavation limitations and that the superstructures were already completed and occupied.
The Bench observed that the inspection report clearly showed the use of RCC columns in all 24 cottage blocks, as well as in the restaurant and reception blocks. It held that this amounted to permanent construction in a CRZ No Development Zone and that such structures could not have been permitted. The Tribunal ruled that GCZMA had wrongly discharged these structures.
However, the Tribunal accepted GCZMA’s submission regarding the concrete storm water drain, stating that it had been retained as a damage-control measure to address improper rainwater flow and prevent flooding in the village. Since the appellant did not raise any objection on this issue, the storm water drain was allowed to remain.
The NGT disposed of the matter by directing GCZMA to demolish 24 cottage blocks, one restaurant and two reception blocks within one month from the date the order is uploaded, while excluding the concrete storm water drain from demolition.
