Goa's charm has led to a rise in illegal constructions, threatening its environment. The High Court of Bombay at Goa, responding to a public interest petition, identified over 200 illegal structures in Arambol, including some linked to a former village council head. Highlighting poor coordination among government agencies, the court directed the state to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) within two weeks for addressing such violations. The SOP will ensure swift action, including demolitions and environmental assessments, aiming to protect Goa's natural beauty and ensure fair construction practices.
Goa's pristine beaches and laid-back charm have long attracted tourists and investors. However, this popularity has also led to a rise in illegal constructions, threatening the environment and local communities. In a recent move, the High Court of Bombay at Goa has taken a tough stance against such practices.
The court's action comes after a public interest petition (suo motu) highlighted the rampant illegal construction in Arambol, a coastal ward in North Goa. A staggering number of over 200 illegal structures were identified, some belonging to a former village council head (sarpanch) and his family. These structures included permanent buildings with swimming pools, defying coastal regulations and zoning laws.
The High Court expressed concern about the lack of coordination between various government agencies, such as the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) (responsible for regulating development in coastal areas) and the panchayat (village council) with oversight over local construction activities. This lack of communication allowed illegal activities to flourish.
To address this issue, the High Court has directed the state government to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) within two weeks. This SOP will outline a clear process to deal with illegal constructions, including identifying violations, issuing demolition orders, and ensuring swift and coordinated action by all relevant authorities. The aim is to deter future violations and hold perpetrators accountable. The court emphasised the importance of immediate demolition of illegal structures once orders are issued, along with environmental damage assessment.
The court's intervention is a significant step towards protecting Goa's natural beauty and ensuring fair practices in the construction industry. This case also highlights the importance of citizen participation in highlighting environmental concerns and holding authorities accountable. Residents and NGOs can play a crucial role by reporting illegal constructions and advocating for sustainable development practices.
While the former sarpanch's lawyer claims the structures pre-date his tenure, the High Court has emphasised the need for a level playing field. Businesses operating legally should not be disadvantaged by those who flout regulations. There are reports that out of the over 200 illegal structures identified, 28 belong to the former sarpanch and his family, with 18 being permanent structures.
The outcome of this case will be closely watched. If the government implements a strong SOP and takes decisive action against the identified illegal constructions, it could set a precedent for tackling illegal construction across Goa. This would help safeguard the state's unique character, environment, and ensure fair practices in the construction sector.
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