PANAJI
Those who wish to set up temporary structures like huts, shacks, tents and cottages in private properties on Goa’s coast will have to wait to be able to do so till the government prepares a Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP).
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has decided that it will not accept any new applications for these structures until the plan is prepared by the state government.
The GCZMA’s decision was taken at the 193rd meeting held at the end of last month at the Secretariat under the Chairmanship of the Secretary of Environment, also the chairperson of the GCZMA.
The GCZMA’s decision comes at a time when a hue and cry has been raised over protection of Goa’s coasts especially with the new Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) rules being notified. The GCZMA has decided to “exercise precautions to conserve the unique ecology of beaches and also to prevent overcrowding of beach areas,” according to the discussions held at the meeting, recorded in the minutes.
“The GCZMA is of the considered opinion that no new applications for huts/shacks/tents/cottages in private properties/hotels along the beach area (0-200 mtr from the High Tide Line) is to be accepted and processed by till the finalization of CZMP by the state government,” state the minutes.
The state is under the process of preparation of the CZMP which will entail specific provisions for the management of eco-sensitive zones in the state of Goa. This process, while underway, is yet to be complete.
The Coastal Authority has also noted various complaints received and the directions passed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding violations of CRZ notification by various stakeholders.
