PANAJI: After prolonged hearings, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has ordered the demolition of several illegal structures found along the Arambol coastal belt. More than 20 violators failed to prove that their structures — which were seen to be in the no-development zone of the CRZ — existed prior to 1991, or had permission from a relevant authority.
Most structures were being used for residential purposes. Almost 50-odd cases are being heard by the GCZMA, and proceedings in many cases are still on. Nearly all cases pertain to just one ward, Girkarwada, at Arambol, along Pernem’s coast.
“The authority had issued a show cause notice in respect of two temporary structures. It observed that the respondent failed to produce on record any document proving existence of the structures prior to 1991, or any permission/NOC from this authority/any competent authority at the relevant time. Thus, the authority is of the opinion that the aforesaid structures are unauthorised and illegal.
The authority deemed it fit to direct the respondent to demolish offending structures mentioned in show cause notice,” the GCZMA said in one case. In some of the other cases, show cause notices were discharged after the owners of the structures demolished the illegal portions themselves following initiation of proceedings by the GCZMA. In one case, the owner of a violating structure is unidentified and in some other cases, the violators are yet to appear before the authority for hearings.
The GCZMA also withdrew show cause notices issued to some fisherfolk who were seen to have erected temporary structures to store their fishing equipment, and where the owner was from the fishing community.
Proceedings against one holy shrine and one chapel were also dropped. “The authority noted that since the area is used for religious purposes and is worshipped by fisherfolk before they venture out to sea, the show cause notice is discharged.
In case it is noted by the authority that the area is used for commercial purposes, action will be initiated and this discharge order will not be binding on the authority as it is solely because of religious purposes,” the GCZMA noted.
