Team Goemkarponn
MANDREM: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Western Zone Bench in Pune, has instructed the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to raze 24 cottage units along with a restaurant and two reception blocks constructed at Ashwem village, after concluding that the developments breached Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.
The directive was issued on January 22, 2026, by a Bench comprising Judicial Member Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and Expert Member Dr Sujit Kumar Bajpayee, while deciding an appeal filed by Chandan Suryakant Khorjuvekar against GCZMA and other respondents.
The appeal stemmed from a decision taken by GCZMA during its meeting on October 23, 2023, wherein the authority had withdrawn show-cause notices served on Pankaj Chopra and Goldy Chopra in connection with multiple structures located at Survey No. 211/2-A3 at Mandrem Beach in Pernem taluka.
Challenging this decision, the appellant contended that while GCZMA had ordered action against certain constructions, it had incorrectly regularised 24 cottage blocks, one restaurant, one reception block and a concrete storm water drain, despite alleged violations of CRZ provisions. The appellant also sought directions to the authority to take a conclusive decision on nine additional cottage blocks, which were allegedly left out of the earlier proceedings.
During the course of arguments, reference was made to a revised approval granted by GCZMA on June 9, 2021, which permitted only temporary, seasonal structures using wood or other natural and biodegradable materials. The approval explicitly barred the use of cement concrete and permanent construction within the CRZ area.
The Tribunal placed reliance on a site inspection report dated August 30, 2022, following an inspection carried out on August 27, 2022. The report recorded that the cottage blocks were supported on reinforced cement concrete (RCC) columns. It further noted that the foundation details could not be examined due to limited excavation, and that the structures had already been completed and were occupied.
After examining the material on record, the Bench observed that the inspection findings clearly established the use of RCC columns in all 24 cottage blocks, as well as in the restaurant and reception buildings. The Tribunal held that these amounted to permanent constructions within a CRZ No Development Zone and were therefore impermissible. It concluded that GCZMA had erred in discharging the notices in respect of these structures.
However, the Tribunal accepted GCZMA’s explanation regarding the concrete storm water drain, noting that it had been retained as a preventive measure to regulate rainwater flow and avoid flooding in the village. Since no specific objection was raised by the appellant on this aspect, the drain was allowed to remain.
Disposing of the appeal, the NGT directed GCZMA to ensure the demolition of the 24 cottage blocks, one restaurant and two reception blocks within one month from the date the order is uploaded, while expressly excluding the storm water drain from the demolition exercise.
