In a recent directive, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has instructed a resort in Sernabatim to demolish a retaining wall, citing concerns about its construction which will impact the coastal area. This ruling was welcomed by residents who had previously voiced similar concerns about the structure.
In September 2022, the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum lodged a complaint against the resort for depositing black rocks beside a concrete wall. The GCZMA observed a clear and severe breach of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification of 2011, leading to the issuance of a show-cause cum stop-work order. Following hearings, the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) was engaged to devise a restoration strategy and subsequently oversee the construction of a gabion retaining wall as part of the restoration efforts.
The GCZMA’s decision said that upon reviewing the records, it was evident that the respondent failed to furnish any documentation verifying that the retaining wall had been erected with permission from the GCZMA or any other relevant authority. Additionally, the Authority noted that the measures implemented to mitigate soil erosion were not of a soft nature but rather were of a hard nature, potentially impacting various coastal areas. Environmental compensation was deemed necessary for the respondent’s actions. Consequently, the authority resolved to issue demolition orders.
The GCZMA directed the resort to demolish the retaining wall within one month and to provide proof of compliance to the authority. Failure to comply would result in the deputy collector/SDO Salcete overseeing the demolition of the retaining wall.
In response to the order, social worker Warren Alemao said, “The contentious retaining wall erected at Sernabatim beach has finally been ordered for demolition by the GCZMA. This ruling signifies a triumph for community activism, underscoring the influence of public voices in safeguarding our coastal environment.”
Dhargal to Patradevi highway work reveals several shortfalls: Arlekar
Staff Reporter Pernem
Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar, along with officials of the National Highway and PWD, inspected the ongoing expansion work of NH 66 from Dhargal to Patradevi.
During the inspection, it was seen that, at Dhargal, while the contractor had made provisions for gutters, the extracted mud had not been cleared and stood to get deposited in the very gutters during the rains.
At Virnoda, it was found that the contractor had dug the road, making it uneven and dangerous for commuters. The MLA later visited the Malpe slope, where the hill had been cut to make way for the highway expansion. “However, the protection wall constructed on both sides of the highway is not sufficient as the hill is huge, and if necessary measures are not taken, there is a possibility of a landslide,” the MLA said, bringing the issues to the attention of the National Highway engineers.
At Ugven, rainwater was found accumulating in the underpass with no provision for it to flow out.
The contractor was asked to make provisions for the water to escape since this is a low-lying area and water from villages nearby collects in the low-lying underpass area.
“I have inspected the entire stretch of the National Highway right from Dhargal to Patradevi and directed the officers concerned to complete all the pending work before the rains, including hotmixing of the service road,” said Arlekar.
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