Team Goemkarponn
CAVELOSSIM: A joint CRZ inspection of the Ashford construction site in Cavelossim on Thursday examined allegations of unauthorised metal-sheet fencing and damage to an existing sand dune, with Benaulim MLA Capt Venzy Viegas calling for action against alleged violations.
Viegas, along with villagers from Mobor-Cavelossim, panchayat representatives and the original complainant, attended the inspection of the property.
According to Viegas, the inspection found that the property did not have permission for the temporary metal sheets and that an existing sand dune had been damaged. He questioned how permission for the temporary structures could have been issued by the Cavelossim panchayat secretary under Town and Country Planning (TCP) provisions when, according to him, the property falls under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ).
Viegas demanded that the permission for the metal sheets be revoked and said the relevant authorities should ensure that CRZ requirements are followed.
The MLA also raised concerns over the alleged damage to the sand dune, warning that such disturbance could have long-term environmental consequences for the village.
Goa’s development-permission procedure provides that projects falling within the CRZ require prior approval from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA). Goa’s coastal regulations also contain restrictions on activities affecting sand dunes; government regulations state that flattening of sand dunes is not permitted in specified CRZ areas.
The issue had also been raised by Cavelossim villagers earlier this month, when complaints were made regarding fencing at a resort property and alleged tampering with a sand dune.
During Thursday’s inspection, villagers expressed concern over what they described as violations and their potential impact on the coastal environment.
Viegas said the inspection was only the first step and that he would continue to pursue the matter to ensure that activities allegedly violating coastal regulations are not allowed to continue.
