Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding construction of building at Khandi-Bandoi, Cavelossim, Salcete, Goa, 01/10/2019
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Cavelossim Villagers Forum Vs Village Panchayat of Cavelossim dated 01/10/2019 regarding construction of building at Khandi-Bandoi, Cavelossim, Salcete, Goa, by M/s Balaji concepts, by filling up water bodies with mud in violation of the law. As a result of illegal construction on plots bearing Survey No. 91/1, 91/5, 91/6, and 91/8 in village Cavelossi river Sal was getting polluted and nallahs, fishing ponds, natural water channels and paddy fields have been completely destroyed. Further, it was alleged that construction falls within 100 mtrs of the River Sal and a 10 mtrs approach road has been constructed without obtaining CRZ Clearance.
The case first came before the Tribunal on May 2014 and subsequently many orders were passed from time to time.
On April, 2019 the Tribunal was informed that 80 % of the project was stated to have been completed and since much time had lapsed during the intervening period, it was felt necessary
to seek a report on the present status of the project and the latest factual position. A Committee was thus constituted comprising of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), Goa State Pollution Control Board and Water Resources Department, State of Goa for the purpose.
The Committee reported that out of 35 vills, 28 have been constructed beyond the NDZ areas of River Sal and is yet to be completed. The rest of the activities appear to be within the applicable norms except in certain cases, where modifications have been made to the project. Such modifications and changes which were approved by Town and Country Planning (TCP) without obtaining permission from GCZMA meant violtion of CRZ rules.
The NGT directed the GCZMA to look into the matter and take appropriate decisions in accordance with law within three months.