MAPUSA
The Supreme Court on Thursday granted the State government four weeks to file its response in a petition seeking protection of the historic Oxel spring, after the government sought more time to submit its reply. The matter came up before a bench headed by the Chief Justice of India.
During the hearing, the counsel appearing for the State government apologised for the delay in filing its response and sought additional time. Accepting the request, the bench granted the State four weeks to file its affidavit.
The court also directed the builder carrying out a project near the Oxel spring to provide its response to the petitioners’ advocate. After receiving the replies from the State government and the builder, the petitioners have been allowed to file a rejoinder before the matter is taken up for further hearing.
The next date of hearing will be notified after the Supreme Court uploads its order.
Petitioners Suraj Chodankar and Avertino Miranda said they would file a detailed rejoinder after examining the responses from the State government and the builder.
“We are satisfied that the matter is moving forward. Once the replies are received from the State and the builder, we will place our rejoinder before the court,” Miranda said.
The petition concerns the protection of the centuries-old Oxel spring, a natural freshwater source that residents and environmentalists say is an important part of Goa’s ecological and cultural heritage.
The petitioners have questioned the legality of construction activity being carried out near the spring and have sought directions from the apex court to protect the water source from irreversible environmental damage.
The Oxel spring case has been closely followed in Goa, with environmental groups and local residents repeatedly raising concerns that unchecked development around the spring could threaten its recharge area and long-term sustainability.
