PANAJI
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has slapped notices to various Goa government authorities over the petition challenging the permissions granted to the nine commercial cum private jetties in the close proximity of the protected areas of Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Chorao along the River Mandovi.
The notices, returnable within four weeks, have been issued to Chief Secretary, Captain of Ports, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), Forest department and five other respondents.
Filed by two environmentalists, Dikshay Phadte and Ajit Volvoikar, the petition seeks a declaration that jetties intended for non-fishing purposes cannot be permitted in tidal water bodies designated as fish breeding areas or ecologically sensitive zones under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification of 2011.
The petitioner also pleads to direct the Forest Department to prepare the zonal master plan for the eco-sensitive zone of the Dr Salim Ali Bird sanctuary.
The petitioners have also urged the tribunal to direct authorities to bar the setting up of such jetties within CRZ areas in Goa’s fishing villages.
The NGT while admitting the plea earlier this month, issued notices to the respondents.
At the preliminary hearing held recently, the NGT bench comprising Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and expert member Dr Vijay Kulkarni ordered that all nine jetty landowners must be added as respondents within a week to ensure that appropriate reliefs can be granted, such as prohibiting any commercial activity on these jetties unless specifically allowed under current regulations.
Drawing attention to Clause 3 of the CRZ Notification, the petitioners' counsel further argued that coastal construction is restricted only to facilities essential for fishing and related activities. They contended that the nine jetties are being used for commercial operations that breach the permitted uses outlined in the CRZ rules.
