Goa: Demolition order for 2 bungalows in CRZ

PANAJI: In two separate cases, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has ordered the demolition of two illegally constructed bungalows at Betalbatim and an illegally constructed swimming pool at Colvale, both in the no-development zone (NDZ) of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ).
In the first case, the authority had received a complaint in 2020 stating that two bungalows of around 120sqm each have been constructed within the CRZ area at Betalbatim.The GCZMA noted that the violator failed to produce documents to prove that any structure existed at the site prior to 1991.
“The structures are undisputedly within the no development zone. The respondent has failed to produce any approved plan from any licensing authority. The respondents have blatantly and clearly violated CRZ norms, having carried out construction of the said structures within the NDZ of CRZ III, Betalbatim village,” the authority noted at its meeting earlier this month.

It also said that the violator had employed delaying tactics by constantly seeking more time, but could not produce any relevant documents to support his case.
The GCZMA, therefore, directed demolition of the two bungalows and asked the violator to restore the land to its original state.
In the second case, activist Kashinath Shetye had alleged construction of an illegal structure at Colvale.
The GCZMA, when hearing the matter, noted that the violator had been earlier ordered to remove all additional constructions carried out post-1991, but only part of the demolition was carried out.
“The records reveal that a site inspection was further carried out on September 7, 2021. The expert member of GCZMA in the said report clearly noted that a swimming pool and pavers laid along the river have not been removed,” the GCZMA noted.
The authority said that the violator has not produced any record to prove that the swimming pool and pavers along the river existed prior to 1991.
“The authority thus in view of the observations and findings decided to issue a demolition for the swimming pool abutting the structure and pavers along the river belonging to respondent,” the GCZMA said.