PANAJI
The Tourism Department on Wednesday said it has taken serious note of illegal activities along the Varca beach stretch, after a video surfaced a day earlier.
The video, submitted to the department, shows a JCB allegedly carrying out unauthorised sand extraction and altering natural dune features. This is strictly prohibited under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Goa Tourist Places Protection and Maintenance Act, 2001.
Tourism Director Kedar Naik said the matter has been forwarded to the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) and the Colva Police Station for suitable action.
“We are committed to the protection of Goa’s coastal and natural heritage. Any activity detrimental to the environment, especially in sensitive coastal zones, will not be tolerated. Strict action will be pursued in accordance with the law,” he said.
The Department has also requested the concerned authorities to take legal and regulatory steps against the violators and ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
