PANAJI
After remaining defunct for nearly two months, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has finally reconstituted the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) under chairmanship of the Secretary Environment.
The reconstitution has been notified on February 26 under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The Authority will be in place for a period of three years.
The GCZMA has been defunct following end of its previous committee term on December 26, 2025.
As per the notification, the Secretary (Environment), will serve as the Chairperson of the GCZMA. Senior officials including the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Director of Panchayats, Director of Tourism, Director of Industries, Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department, Director of Settlement and Land Records, Director of Urban Development, Director of Fisheries, and the Member Secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board have been appointed as ex officio members.
The Centre has also nominated expert members from technical and academic fields, including representatives from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), public works engineers, academia, and non-governmental organisations working in the environmental sector. The Director and Ex-Officio Joint Secretary (Environment & Climate Change), Goa, will function as the Member Secretary.
The GCZMA is tasked with examining project proposals in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas, monitoring compliance with CRZ notifications, regulating developmental activities, and taking action against violations. The Authority is also empowered to issue directions, exercise powers under relevant provisions of the Environment Act, and review cases of non-compliance.
