GCZMA inspects site at Candolim for violations

Calangute: Officials from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) and Goa State Biodiversity Board on Friday conducted a site inspection of alleged illegal structures in Candolim.

The land surveyed forms a part of a larger property formerly known as ‘Kingfisher Villa’. The site inspection was conducted following a complaint by the Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF) in June last year. “This is the fourth inspection by the GCZMA,” said Agnelo Barreto, CCF president.

After previous site inspections, the GCZMA had directed the owners to remove the illegal structures and restore the sand dunes, which however, has not been done, he said.

The Bombay high court had last month directed the GCZMA to enforce its orders and demolish illegal constructions.

The citizens forum had sought demolition of any structures at these sites, the clearance of such sites and by restoring the land to its original condition, based upon the advice of the Goa Biodiversity Board which had made certain suggestions and recommendations which include the removal of all debris from the site, construction material and bamboo barriers, after which suitable flora at the site is required to be planted.