PANJIM
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has sought a detailed compliance report from the Deputy Collector of Bardez over immediate sealing of six unauthorised private jetties operating along Goa’s rivers and coastline, as directed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT)
The move comes after complainants informed the authority earlier this week that no effective action had been taken to seal the jetties despite the tribunal’s January order.
During its meeting held last week, the GCZMA permitted temporary de-sealing of three jetties solely for the purpose of demolishing illegal structures. The authority had also issued fresh show-cause notices to the jetty operators in March after site inspections reportedly revealed serious violations at all six locations.
The six jetties identified as operating without mandatory permissions are Oceannaire Jetty, Funcruise Jetty, Salid Fernandes Jetty, Jubert Jetty, Dharma Jetty and Champion Jetty.
During the hearing before the authority, the complainant, through its representative, alleged that the jetties continue to remain operational and were not properly sealed despite explicit directions from the NGT.
Taking serious note of the allegations, the GCZMA directed the Deputy Collector of Bardez to submit a detailed compliance report. The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for July.
The NGT bench comprising Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and expert member Dr Sujit Kumar Bajpayee, during its hearing on January 22, had strongly criticised the coastal authority for allowing the jetties to continue operations under the guise of procedural formalities.
The tribunal had observed that while principles of natural justice and hearings were necessary, the immediate priority should have been to halt unauthorised activities and seal the illegal structures without delay.
The matter arose from a petition alleging large-scale violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and navigation regulations by several private jetty operators across Goa.
During the proceedings before the tribunal, the Captain of Ports department had informed the NGT that nine jetties had been permitted under provisions applicable to temporary floating structures. However, the GCZMA admitted that only three jetties possessed valid permissions under CRZ regulations.
The tribunal had also directed the GCZMA and the Captain of Ports department to prepare a comprehensive inventory of all private jetties operating across the State.
