PANAJI
Stating that the government is hopeful of some “positive order” from the Supreme Court in the Anjuna illegal structures case, Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira on Wednesday said that the State has no powers to amend or interfere with the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules, which are governed under the Centre’s Environment Protection Act.
“If we could take some decision with regards to the law, we would love to do it as ultimately, we have to protect our people. But we can only express our views...beyond that, we have no powers as the CRZ issue is governed by Central law,” Sequeira told media persons.
“CRZ Rules and Regulations come under the Environment Protect Act of the Government of India and we have no powers whatsoever to amend or interfere with that Act,” the Minister added.
Following protests by the locals, whose livelihoods were affected due to the recent order of the High Court directing authorities to seal 175 structures operating in No Development Zone (NDZ), the State government has decided to challenge the order before the
Supreme Court.
Asserting that the matter is ‘sub-judice,’ Sequeira said that the Court has acted against commercial establishments and has not touched the residential
areas.
“CM has directed the AG (Advocate General) to file an appeal in the SC immediately. We look forward to getting a positive order from the SC. At the end of the day, the endeavor of the government is to provide relief to the local people who are affected. We look forward to getting a positive order,” he said.
Last week, the division bench directed the panchayat to stop operations and seal 175 commercial establishments, including many restaurants and lodges for operating in violation of CRZ norms and for lacking permissions from various authorities.
The court had ruled that no commercial activities can be carried out from such structures if they do not have occupancy certificates and clearances under GCZMA, Panchayat Raj Act, town planning rules, and Health Act.
