NGT Orders Status Quo in Demolition of Naroa Structure

10 Jan 2025 CW Team

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has granted the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) two weeks to file its reply in the case of a demolition of a structure at Naroa, Bicholim, that the latter had ordered. The NGT noted that the GCZMA had not appeared before the tribunal despite sufficient notice. The applicant said that the GCZMA was preparing to demolish the structure even though it was constructed prior to 1991. The NGT has ordered that status quo be maintained in the matter till the next tribunal hearing on Jan 28.

“No one has appeared from the side of GCZMA despite sufficient service. As stated in paragraph in our previous order dated Nov 2, 2024, GCZMA has not issued notice to appellant No.1 prior to issuance of demolition order regarding which we would like to hear GCZMA, but even today, none has appeared from their side. In the circumstances, we direct that till next date, the status quo as on today shall be maintained,” the NGT said. The applicants had filed an additional affidavit on Jan 6 before the tribunal stating that the GCZMA is in the process of executing the demolition order with the assistance of the collector.

The GCZMA had ordered the demolition of the structure in Sep 2024 stating that it been found to be unauthorised and illegal, in absence of any permission from the GCZMA and also having been found in violation of CRZ norms. The applicant had approached the tribunal seeking the application to be quashed.

The applicant told the tribunal that the structure in Naroa existed prior to 1991 and in support of this submission. The tribunal admitted the appeal stating that GCZMA had not issued notice to the appellant, who is claiming to be the owner of the property in question and in the site inspection report, the name of another, who is the brother of the appellant, was mentioned.

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