PANAJI
Taking note of several development works being undertaken along government riverine land, inland waters and notified port limit areas in Goa without mandatory permissions, the Captain of Ports Department has warned that such activities will attract strict legal action.
In a circular, CoP Octavio Rodrigues said the department has observed that several development activities are being carried out in these areas without obtaining the mandatory permissions from the department.
The circular stated any development work in government riverine land, inland waters and notified port limits must obtain prior permission from the CoP under the applicable laws.
The department clarified that inland waters include canals, rivers and other navigable waters up to five nautical miles from the coastal baseline, as well as port limit areas covering tidal stretches of rivers such as Mandovi, Mapusa, Naroa (including Cumbarjua Canal), Tiracol, Chapora, Sal, Talpona, Galgibag and Zuari eastward of the Agacaim–Cortalim ferry points.
The circular also covered infrastructure such as piers, jetties, landing places, wharves, quays, docks, ramps and moorings, as well as any works undertaken for public navigation, vessel safety or port maintenance.
It further stated that the regulations apply to any portion of the shore or bank within 50 yards of the high water mark, even if the property is privately owned.
The department has directed all government departments and stakeholders to ensure that development projects in inland waters, riverine land and non-major ports are undertaken only after obtaining the mandatory permissions from the CoP.
The circular warned that violations would invite serious legal consequences.
