Team Goemkarponn
CAVELOSSIM: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has ordered an immediate halt to all activities at a coastal property in Cavelossim, Salcete, after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) raised concerns over the alleged destruction of sand dunes by developer Ashford SCDC Resorts LLP.
Passing interim directions during an urgent hearing, the vacation bench instructed the state government and several local and regulatory authorities to ensure that no further work is undertaken at the disputed site. The property must also be secured to prevent unauthorised entry.
The Court observed that the material placed before it, including photographs submitted by the petitioners, prima facie indicated damage to sand dunes on the land identified under Survey No. 99/2-E. It further noted that the alleged activity had reportedly continued despite notices issued earlier.
The bench also expressed prima facie concern over possible breaches of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, Goa’s land development and building construction regulations, and provisions of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act.
The directions have been issued to the South Goa Collector, Salcete Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Officer, Block Development Officer, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), Colva Police and Cavelossim Village Panchayat. All these authorities have been asked to ensure strict compliance with the Court’s order.
The PIL was instituted by Cavelossim residents Iris Henriques Passanha and Shalton Fernandes, who have approached the Court seeking intervention to protect the village’s fragile coastal environment. Their petition highlights the ecological importance of sand dunes, which serve as natural protection against the impact of the sea.
The disputed land covers 22,885 square metres and is situated between the Arabian Sea and the River Sal. Different portions of the property fall under multiple coastal classifications, including the CRZ-III 0–200 metre No Development Zone, the 200–500 metre CRZ-III belt, the River No Development Zone and CRZ-IA, which includes sand dune areas.
Documents referred to in the petition indicate that the developer received clearances from the GCZMA on March 25, the Town and Country Planning Department on May 4 and the Cavelossim Village Panchayat on May 8, 2026.
However, the petitioners contend that these approvals were confined to specified boundary-related works. They permitted biodegradable or wooden fencing in the 0–200 metre zone, without concrete, and a compound wall in the 200–500 metre stretch. The GCZMA had also made it clear that the natural sand dunes were not to be disturbed.
Alleging violations of these conditions, the petitioners claimed that metal-sheet fencing measuring 3.60 metres in height was installed using metal poles, some secured with concrete pedestals, within the restricted zone. They also alleged that gravel was spread across portions of the property, while laterite stones and construction rubble were brought onto the site.
One of the central allegations concerns the flattening of a sand dune reportedly measuring around 100 metres in length and between 8 and 10 metres in height.
The petition further questioned the display of a signboard on the property’s fencing advertising a proposed “Luxury Wellness Resort” as “coming soon”. According to the petitioners, no approval had been obtained for a resort project at the location.
With the High Court now ordering a complete stoppage of activity and directing authorities to secure the property, the case is scheduled to be taken up again on November 11, 2026.
The interim order places the disputed coastal site under immediate scrutiny as the Court examines the allegations and the permissions granted for work on the property.
