Resort gets tourism dept notice over violations at Bambolim beach

Panaji: Taking cognisance of the unauthorised construction along the Bambolim beach front, the tourism department issued a show cause notice to Grand Hyatt, Bambolim.
Tourism director Kedar Naik said the construction violates provisions of The Goa Tourist Places Protection and Maintenance Act and constitutes a public nuisance, which can cause “injury and danger” to locals and tourists.
“The act of construction of a retaining wall and dumping of debris from the excavation in the beach area are a nuisance, as per the opinion of this authority, having an incurable impact on tourism potentiality,” said Naik in the order.
The tourism department’s action comes on the heels of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) issuing a stop-work order for the ongoing work.
Naik said the notice was issued based on “information received from reliable sources” and an inspection conducted by the department on Wednesday. The inspection found that an approximately 300-m-long retaining wall is being constructed abutting the beach area.
“It was also noted that debris from the excavation, including stones and remnants of metal wire, has been dumped across the beach,” said Naik. “The dumped material is causing obstruction to tourists and locals, hindering daily beach cleaning and lifeguarding operations, and adversely affecting the tourism potential of Bambolim beach.”
The department has directed the company to immediately remove all debris from the beach and has called upon them to submit a response within seven days. Failure to take corrective and necessary action will lead to stronger strictures, said the department.
“The department remains committed to preserving the ecological and aesthetic integrity of Goa’s beaches and will take all necessary steps to prevent any actions that compromise the safety, cleanliness, and tourism value of these areas,” said Naik.