Goa Tourism Development Corporation told to restore Morjim beach after damaging dunes

Panaji: The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) was found violating the permission issued to it to create amenities on Morjim beach, very close to the turtle nesting site.The GTDC dug up the sand deeper than it was permitted to, damaging sand dunes and beach vegetation. The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) directed the GTDC to restore the land, failing which action would be initiated.The GCZMA stated that it might also withdraw the permissions granted if required. The GCZMA received two complaints from Mayur Shetgaonkar and Gerald John Fernandes against GTDC. Accordingly, a site inspection was carried out in Aug this year.

The inspection showed that vegetation was cut and destroyed on site.The expert team also noted that excavation of sand was carried out within the no development zone of CRZ. Fernandes alleged that the work was disturbing turtles. The inspection team also noted that the work being carried out was spread over 2,000 sqm, which was approximately 80m from the turtle nesting site and conservation area at Tembwada, Morjim.

“The inspection confirms the incident of sand excavation at Morjim beach, in violation of CRZ norms. The GTDC was provided an NoC by the GCZMA for ‘beautification and providing basic amenities at Morjim beach promenade’ and was specifically instructed that digging is not allowed,” the GCZMA inspection noted.The violators have to be strictly directed to immediately halt any sand excavation and beach vegetation destruction activities on site, and local coastal police should be deployed for regular patrolling to prevent recurrence of such illegal activity in the near future, the GCZMA team noted.