National watchdog pulls up Goa for delay in reconstituting coastal authority
PANAJI
As the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) remains non-functional following the end of its term in December, the national coastal watchdog has authorised the State Environment Department to process and clear CRZ proposals.
The National Coastal Zone Management Authority (NCZMA) also pulled up the State government for delaying the submission of its proposal for reconstituting the GCZMA. The term of the Authority ended on December 26, 2026, but the proposal was forwarded to the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) only in the same month, instead of the mandated six months in advance.
“The NCZMA directed States to submit a proposal, complete in all respects, for reconstitution of their CZMAs at least six months prior to the expiry of their tenure,” the NCZMA said.
The NCZMA further clarified that in cases where State CZMAs are non-operational due to reconstitution or other reasons, the Department of Environment — being the custodian of the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) — will be responsible for examining proposals and providing comments in accordance with the provisions of the CRZ Notification.
“Furthermore, the Chair directed strict adherence to the timelines stipulated in the Notification for processing proposals and forwarding recommendations within 60 days of receipt of a complete proposal,” it said further.
Speaking to The Goan, Director of Environment Sachin Dessai confirmed that the proposal for reconstitution of the GCZMA is currently pending with the Union Ministry.
Notably, at its last meeting held on December 24, 2026, the GCZMA admitted a review petition filed by the Bastian nightclub at Morjim challenging the demolition order issued against it. A day earlier, the Authority had declined CRZ clearance to the proposed twin-tower project atop the new Zuari bridge, citing the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study.
