GCZMA finds illegal constructions near Mandrem turtle nesting site

Panaji: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), after inspection by a joint committee, has confirmed to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that illegal constructions by a hotel have been found near the turtle nesting site at Mandrem. The illegal extensions to the hotel include a swimming pool, a water tank and other such structures.
Chandan Suryakant Khorjuvekar had approached the NGT in August praying that GCZMA be asked to inspect the site where illegal structures are being constructed close to the turtle nesting site at Mandrem. Khorjuvekar had also asked the tribunal to issue directions stopping the construction work.
At the NGT hearing held last week, the GCZMA told the tribunal that the joint committee inspection had indeed found violations near the turtle nesting site and accordingly, notices have been issued to the violators. A hearing has also been fixed by the Authority on October 27.
“The joint committee report dated August 30 is on record wherein it is recorded that the project was approved by the Authority, but several unauthorised developments were noted. These structures constitute violation of CRZ notification and are recommended for demolition,” the NGT noted.
The Authority said that it had only approved construction of 15 cottage blocks for the hotel with 30 rooms, besides a restaurant. However, other than the swimming pool, a concrete sloping platform was found constructed along the public road without maintaining any setback.
The NGT will hear the matter next on November 18, after the GCZMA completes its hearing and files a reply before the tribunal.
Turtle nesting is seen and conservation efforts are being carried out by the Goa forest department at four turtle nesting beaches in Goa — Morjim and Mandrem in North Goa and Agonda and Galgibaga in South Goa. Olive Ridley turtles are one of five marine turtles that visit these beaches and lay eggs from November to April.
Last season, the highest number of turtles in recent years, 89, nested in Goa. Around 6,500 young hatchlings were successfully released into the sea.
A turtle nesting site management plan drawn by the GCZMA is already in force at the four turtle nesting sites in Goa. Based on this plan ‘no-take zones’ on these beaches were demarcated to help preserve the ecology.
Only marine conservation activities are permitted in these zones.
TIMES VIEW
Unauthorised structures in the ‘no take zones’ near turtle nesting sites cannot be allowed. GCZMA should take strong measures so that it becomes a deterrent to violators who indulge in such ecologically-damaging activity. Instead of taking a passive approach, the authority needs to be proactive as such illegal activities are becoming a common occurrence