Multiple structures found violating CRZ ordered to be demolished in Goa Velha

Panaji: The Goa coastal zone management authority (GCZMA) has ordered multiple structures to be demolished in Goa Velha after they were found to have been constructed in the no-development zone bay and intertidal zone of the CRZ.“The authority observed that the respondent failed to produce any document proving the existence of the structure prior to 1991 and/or any permission/NOC from this authority or any competent authority at the relevant time. Thus, the authority is of the opinion that the aforesaid structures are unauthorised and illegal and have been constructed in violation of CRZ norms,” said the GCZMA in its order issued last month.The authority said it deemed it fit to direct the violator to demolish all structures as identified in the site inspection report in Aug in the property. The violator was also directed to restore the land to its original condition.Earlier this year, the authority directed the sealing of the structure and the disconnection of water and electricity supply. The complaint over the illegal structure was first made by a Mumbai-based company, which said it was the owner of the property covering two survey numbers in Goa Velha.

The company said its name was reflected in the form I and XIV and there were no structures in the survey plans.“The complainant also submitted that the complainant is the company which operates and functions from Mumbai, and also has an office in Goa, and their officials visit the said premises as and when necessary. The respondent, taking advantage of the same, illegally constructed structures on the said properties,” the company said.The complainant further submitted that the property falls partly in CRZ III NDZ for bay and partly in the intertidal zone.“The respondent carried out illegal construction on the said properties in violation of CRZ norms. The complainant stated that the structures are completely illegal and unauthorised and thus prayed for directions to demolish the offending structures and to restore the land to its original condition,” the GCZMA noted.The matter was filed before the National Green Tribunal, which directed that the GCZMA take action against the structures. Accordingly, the authority carried out a site inspection in June this year, and seven structures were found constructed on the property with a compound wall surrounding the constructions.