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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to respond within two weeks regarding its demolition order for a Naroa, Bicholim structure, claimed to predate 1991. The applicant argues the September 2024 order violated due process, as they were not notified beforehand. Despite multiple summons, GCZMA's absence led the NGT to mandate maintaining the property's status quo until the January 28, 2025 hearing. This case raises broader concerns about coastal regulations and transparency in Goa, sparking debates on balancing environmental protections with property rights in the state's ecologically sensitive coastal areas.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to respond within two weeks regarding its controversial decision to demolish a structure in Naroa, Bicholim. This order comes after the GCZMA failed to appear before the tribunal despite multiple notifications. Advertisement
The case revolves around a structure claimed by the applicant to have been built before 1991. The applicant argues that the GCZMA's demolition order, issued in September 2024, is unjustified. The GCZMA had declared the building illegal, citing a lack of necessary permissions and violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms. However, the applicant contends that they were not properly notified before the order was issued.
During the latest hearing, the NGT expressed frustration over the GCZMA's absence. It highlighted that the authority had not followed due process, particularly in failing to notify the property owner prior to the demolition order. The tribunal emphasized the need for a fair hearing, stating, "No one has appeared from the side of GCZMA despite sufficient service." As a result, the NGT has mandated that the current state of the property be maintained until the next hearing scheduled for January 28, 2025.
The applicant's additional affidavit, submitted on January 6, raised concerns about the GCZMA's actions, claiming that it was preparing to demolish the structure with the help of local authorities. This has led to anxiety among residents, who fear that the enforcement of the demolition could set a precedent for other structures in the coastal area.
The GCZMA's decision to demolish the structure has sparked a broader discussion about property rights and coastal regulations in Goa. Many property owners in the region are now questioning the transparency and fairness of the GCZMA's processes. As Goa continues to grapple with development pressures and environmental concerns, the NGT's ruling could have significant implications for future cases involving coastal properties.
This situation highlights the ongoing tension between development and environmental protection in Goa. As the state seeks to balance economic growth with ecological sustainability, the role of regulatory bodies like the GCZMA becomes increasingly critical. The upcoming hearings will be closely watched by stakeholders on both sides of the issue, as they navigate the complexities of property rights in coastal zones.
In conclusion, the NGT's decision to maintain the status quo provides a temporary reprieve for the property owner while raising important questions about the authority's procedures and the enforcement of coastal regulations. As the case unfolds, it will be essential for the GCZMA to address these concerns and ensure that all parties involved are given a fair opportunity to present their cases.
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