Panaji: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has dismissed a review petition concerning the demolition of multiple illegal constructions in Candolim. The appeal was filed by a UK-based resident, who co-owns the property with her brother. The original demolition order, targeting ground-plus-two structures and approximately 14 shops located in Vaddy, Candolim within the CRZ-III zone, was issued against the brother.
The sister’s plea requested additional time to submit documents proving the structures’ existence prior to 1991. However, the GCZMA viewed this as a delay tactic. The authority affirmed that the demolition orders were issued following due process and found no procedural lapses in their decision-making process.
“The application for review appears to be an attempt to reopen the case without any procedural grounds for doing so. The proceedings were conducted appropriately, and the final decision was made in accordance with the regulations. Therefore, the review application is rejected,” stated the GCZMA during their recent meeting.
The sister argued her proprietorship rights over the land and claimed she should have been included in the original proceedings. She intended to attach documents to validate the pre-1991 existence of the disputed structures. The GCZMA, however, was not convinced, highlighting that her involvement seemed to be a strategy to introduce new evidence post-decision.
“The applicant’s claim of proprietorship and her absence in the initial proceedings are being used to seek a review of the decision. She surprisingly attempts to present documents that purportedly prove the structures predate 1991. It is peculiar that these documents are with her in the UK, rather than with her brother, who was the respondent in the case,” the GCZMA noted.
The authority stressed the importance of adherence to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) guidelines and reiterated their commitment to enforcing the law against illegal constructions. The decision underscores the GCZMA’s stance against unauthorised developments in ecologically sensitive zones.
This case highlights the complexities involved in property ownership and legal compliance within coastal regulation zones. It also brings to the fore the challenges faced by regulatory authorities in ensuring adherence to environmental laws while dealing with international stakeholders. The GCZMA’s firm rejection of the review application reflects its resolve to maintain the integrity of the coastal regions in Goa.
The authority’s decision serves as a precedent, reinforcing that delay tactics and introduction of new evidence after a final decision will not be entertained. It underscores the critical need for timely and complete compliance with procedural requirements in property and environmental regulations.
