PANAJI
The National Green Tribunal has directed the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to restore a stretch of illegally reclaimed land in Chopdem in Pernem taluka.
The complainant Savio Rodrigues had alleged that there was illegal reclamation of land in
Survey No. 25/18 Village Chopdem at the bank of river Chapora which is an eco-sensitive area influenced by tidal action.
He complained that the reclamation will result in flooding the neighbourhood and is in violation of CRZ notification 2011, issued under the Environment Protection Act.
“We direct the Chairman, GCZMA, to ensure restoration of illegal reclaimed land within two months. Environmental compensation may also be recovered for the said violations from the named parties, following due process of law,” he said.
The NGT noted how a joint inspection was conducted by the Town and Country Planning Department and it was found that the reclamation had taken place illegally. However, the restoration of the reclaimed area has not taken place which is required to be done by the GCZMA.
“Town and Country Planning Department found illegal reclamation and lodged an FIR. This stand remains unrebutted. Thus, GCZMA has failed to perform its responsibility in the matter of enforcing the CRZ Notification 2011,” the NGT ruled.
