PANAJI
The State government on Monday assured the High Court of Bombay at Goa that it will soon notify the draft plan aimed at safeguarding all turtle nesting sites across the State’s beaches.
During the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against illegal structures in Agonda, Advocate General Devidas Pangam informed the Court that a plan is already in place for the protection of these ecologically sensitive sites.
Taking note of this, the Division Bench of Justice M S Karnik and Justice Nivedita Mehta sought clarity on the timeline for its notification. The AG assured the Court that he would revert after seeking instructions from the government, following which the matter was adjourned for next week.
It is learnt that the draft plan, modelled on a successful initiative in another coastal state, was accepted by the Goa government nearly five years ago. However, its notification is awaited.
Meanwhile, in connection with show cause notices to 67 illegal structures identified by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) around Agonda Beach, the authority informed the Court that it will prepone the hearing, which was earlier scheduled for March 27.
The GCZMA is expected to take a decision on further action against commercial activities based on the replies and supporting documents submitted by the concerned respondent parties, during the hearing of the notices. Moreover, a report is likely to be submitted within a week on the inspection of other illegal structures in the area.
Besides this, the Goa State Pollution Control Board has also been directed to issue appropriate orders against structures operating without the consent to operate.
The Court is currently hearing the PIL, which urged the demolition of allegedly illegal constructions on Agonda Beach. The petition cited concerns about large-scale unauthorized constructions, including semi-permanent and permanent structures made of steel fabrication, brick, RCC, and mortar.
