The Secretary of Calangute Village Panchayat deserves commendation for his efforts in executing the District Court’s order to demolish an illegal structure in the No Development Zone of the CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) area at Baga and Calangute. The Calangute Panchayat’s actions reflect a commitment to upholding legal standards and protecting environmental regulations.
However, it is important to highlight a critical concern: despite this enforcement action, several other illegal structures within the No Development Zone continue to operate with impunity. These structures are engaged in commercial activities, and their operation is sanctioned by trade licences issued by the Calangute Panchayat, as well as consent from the Goa State Pollution Control Board. The presence of these structures, in violation of the rules, has not been addressed.
The decision to seek a demolition order from the District Court for a single illegal structure, while commendable, suggests a selective enforcement approach. This method of “Bull Dozer Tactics,” where action is taken against isolated cases without addressing the broader issue, may seem like a superficial approach to the complex problem of rule enforcement. It underscores the need for a more comprehensive and consistent strategy to ensure that all illegal structures in the No Development Zone are identified and dealt with according to the law. The focus should not only be on individual cases but also on a systematic approach to tackle all violations within the No Development Zone, ensuring fairness and adherence to regulations across the board.
