The National Green Tribunal has admitted a petition filed by three residents of Cortalim-Quelossim demanding rehabilitation of their natural environment in the face of large scale damage to khazan lands, sluice gates, mangroves, bunds and trees allegedly done by Movaj Enterprises.
Panaji
The tribunal has admitted the application and has issued notice to complete replies and pleadings by August 9, 2017.
The three villagers - Lopinho Xavier, Sebastian Serrao and Caetano D'Silva, have primarily sought that the respondent Movaj Enterprises be made to restore the damage to the khazan lands as well as to impose damages against the company.
Their prayers include asking the NGT for an order directing Resp No 5 to take steps to undo the damage done to the khazan system on Sy Nos 170/0 and 171 and rehabilitate the khazan and bring it to its original status, under the supervision of the GCZMA and the GSBB (Goa State Biodiversity Board); to further take steps to undo the damage caused and to rehabilitate the surrounding mangrove area to its original status, under the supervision of GCZMA and GSBB; to impose severe pecuniary sanctions/damages for the blatant disregard and violation of the law and orders of the Coastal and Biodiversity Authorities.
They have also prayed before the Tribunal that the government declare and notify the area as a Biodiversity Heritage Site. As interim relief, applicants have asked for an order to the GCZMA and GSBB to provide restoration blueprint required to be followed by the respondent company.
