The Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed the Murda comunidade to clear all debris dumped in a mangrove area by June 30. Only 25 truckloads of debris had been removed over the past few days, a pace the court termed extremely slow. The court noted that a large amount of debris remains to be lifted and shifted to a designated dumping site.
Deadline Extension and Environmental Concerns
Initially, the HC set a March 31 deadline for complete debris clearance, later extended to May 30. The bench of Justices Valmiki Menezes and Hiten Venegavkar observed that the presence of debris in a declared mangrove or khazan site would have adverse environmental effects. The court directed the comunidade to report progress to the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) every three days. The GCZMA must depute an official weekly to verify removal rates and file a report by July 1.
Restoration Costs and Monsoon Urgency
A task force estimated the cost of restoring the land at Rs 1.7 crore, covering only restoration to original condition. Environmental damage costs remain uncalculated. The HC emphasized the need for swift action, as monsoon flooding would inundate the area. Mangroves are typically replanted during the monsoon when salinity changes, but debris removal is prerequisite. The court stated that the biodiversity board and other experts must assess what to replant once debris is cleared.
The comunidade informed the court that the landfill site was designated only on May 27. The HC also directed that a trench dug on site be filled.
Background of the Case
The court is hearing a public interest litigation concerning large-scale degradation of mangrove forests, khazan lands, salt pans, and paddy fields at Merces, near NH 66 between Panaji and Bambolim. Earlier, the HC constituted a task force to inspect the site, noting urgent intervention was required.
