The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) is meant to protect the coast. However, it is often in the news for doing the opposite by giving controversial approvals that are damaging the coastline.
The authority has been pulled up many times by the National Green Tribunal, the High Court and even the Supreme Court. Despite this, a serious question remains: why are the officials responsible not prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law?
This should include heavy personal fines and even jail terms where violations are proven.
If the courts are truly serious about stopping the destruction of the coast and repeated illegalities, strict punishment is necessary.
It is also difficult to ignore the strong suspicion that corruption plays a role in these cases. Strong action against erring officials is essential if coastal protection laws are to have any real meaning.
