the goan I network
PANAJI
In an order issued on Tuesday, the NGT expressed its frustration over the lack of implementation of its orders by the GCZMA. It also demanded to know the accountability part after the GCZMA’s term has recently expired.
Complainant Aleixo Arnolfo Pereira had brought to the notice of the NGT that the GCZMA had granted permissions for more than 3,500 shacks to be set up in private properties along the beaches despite there being specific directions from the tribunal not to do so.
He also brought on record GCZMA’s guidelines for one shack per property. He was seeking execution of NGT’s order by the GCZMA.
The NGT’s order on Tuesday stated, “Having noticed default wilful or otherwise, we were constrained to issue notice of show cause as is evident from our order dated 2nd May, 2016. The notice requires GCZMA and its Chairman to explain lapses and particularly the act of the GCZMA in issuing licences erratically to more than one respondent against its own guidelines
and order.”
It observed further, “The order dated 2nd May, 2016, has been defied. There is non-compliance, except filing an answer to the show cause by GCZMA. The learned counsel representing GCZMA Fawia M Mesquita submits that she has been engaged (by the GCZMA) recently … and [is] unable to explain whether there are lapses on its part. It is also brought to our notice that on expiry of its term, GCZMA is no longer legally in existence and new GCZMA has to be constituted.”
“In the circumstances, the legal entity i.e. GCZMA is said to be not in existence as on today. Consequently, who has to answer? Undoubtedly, MoEF has to answer to the lapses and act of malfeasance and misfeasance/or violation of the orders of this tribunal. Hence, we issue notice to the Principal Secretary MoEF to look into these issues and make his submission by the next date of hearing.”
The GCZMA had cancelled licenses of all private shacks in response to directions from NGT leading to protests from the All Goa Private Shack and Hut Owners’ Association led by Dharmesh Saglani.
