Coastal authority orders demolition of two illegal structures on Mandovi

Panaji: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has ordered the demolition of two sheds constructed in two different sections along the Mandovi.
In the first case, the illegal construction was carried out at Chimbel by cutting of mangroves and by filling in the Mandovi with mud in no development zone (NDZ) of the CRZ area. After the GCZMA carried out the inspection earlier this year, it was found that the shed was constructed to carry out Ganesh visarjan during the annual festival.
“Expert members attached to this authority inspected the site and it was observed that ‘the subject matter temporary shed is being used for Ganapati visarjan. The respondent has submitted a reply to the authority stating that he is ready to remove the shed within seven days,” the GCZMA noted during its hearing.
The GCZMA has now issued the order so that the violator can carry out the voluntary demolition. The offender has been asked to restore the site to its original and submit the compliance report before the authority.
In the second case, the violator was found to have constructed a shed at Kurkutta, Hawaii Beach, Dona Paula without any permissions from the authorities.
The complainant told the authority that the shed is now being constructed into a pucca structure. An inspection by expert members of GCZMA confirmed the violation.
“Dumping of soil, boulders were observed below the bank of river/sea and few coconut, banana saplings are planted. It showed a clear case of land reclamation in the NDZ. There is a clear violation of CRZ notification. The respondent claims to be a traditional fisherman and engaged in the fishing activities. The respondent has not produced any evidence to prove his contentions,” the GCZMA noted.
The GCZMA therefore passed demolition orders against the violating structure.
“The Authority resolved that the respondent has failed to establish or justify the very existence of the offending structure was prior to 1991 with the help of documents/records or any evidence whatsoever,” the authority said.