No riverbank works without nod: CoP

Panaji: With unauthorised structures, embankments and jetty ramps being built along riverbanks, Captain of Ports has warned that no construction activity can be undertaken without prior permission.Captain of Ports Octavio Rodrigues said several development works were noticed along riverbanks, inland waters and areas declared as port limits without approval. He said even govt departments such as the Water Resources Department (WRD) were constructing embankments without permission.Rodrigues said any development work in such areas mandatorily requires prior approval under the applicable laws. Inland waters include canals, rivers and other navigable waters up to five nautical miles from the coast, as well as notified port limits. Provisions also cover piers, jetties, landing places, wharves, quays, docks, ramps, moorings and other structures for public use, safety of vessels, or improvement and maintenance of ports and their approaches. They also extend to any portion of the shore or riverbank within 50 yards of the high water mark, even if privately owned.