The Bombay High Court on Monday directed the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to conduct a site inspection at Murda in Tiswadi regarding large-scale land filling. The court ordered the inspection to be carried out at 3 PM the same day, with a report to be submitted by Tuesday. The Murda comunidade was asked to coordinate with GCZMA officers to identify specific areas from which debris removal work should be undertaken.
Background of the Case
The High Court is hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the large-scale degradation and destruction of mangrove forests, khazans, salt pans, and paddy fields in the region. A task force had been constituted by the court to survey the affected areas. At the previous hearing, the court directed the task force to inspect the area and submit a report on the extent of land filling and damage to nearby mangroves and khazans.
Evidence and Next Steps
Petitioner Kashinath Shetye submitted photographs showing extensive land filling, which the court has taken on record. The High Court also asked the task force to assess the environmental cost of restoring the land to its original condition and to recover that cost from those responsible. The court warned that violators would be liable for contempt of court as well as violation of the Environment Protection Act and other applicable laws.
