Submit details of removal of Agonda structures: HC to Goa govt

Panaji: The Bombay high court has directed the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) and govt to submit comprehensive details about orders and actions taken regarding illegal structures at Agonda beach, a nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles. The court’s directive came during a public interest litigation seeking demolition of unauthorised structures in the area.

The court has directed GCZMA and govt to file an affidavit detailing show-cause notices issued, their disposal status, and subsequent decisions taken. They must also provide information about the final conclusions and follow-up directions of these notices.

Govt has been instructed to be prepared with individual orders for the next hearing. “We expect the exercise to be concluded on or before Oct 1,” the court stated.

The court emphasised that the 63 show-cause notices issued by GCZMA must result in final orders followed by action.

GCZMA approached the court requesting another extension to comply with previous directions for removing illegal structures.

They reported disposing of 57 show-cause notices of CRZ violations, with six more scheduled for hearing on Sep 23.

One party informed the court that actual orders from the previously issued show-cause notices were not seen by anyone. They noted that GCZMA minutes only vaguely referenced notice disposals without showing actual case orders.

When questioned about taking decisions without passing orders, GCZMA explained that while decisions were made, formal orders were still in the process of being posted.

The high court has granted GCZMA an extension until the end of Aug to dispose of all 63 show-cause notices.