NGT questions GCZMA on nod to structure in Chimbel CRZ

Panaji: National green tribunal (NGT) has directed Goa coastal zone management authority (GCZMA) to explain why it has granted approval by consent to a structure in CRZ area of Chimbel creek by ignoring one of the two inquiry reports in the matter.
Taking serious note of the issue, the tribunal directed the GCZMA member secretary to file an affidavit in person on May 9, 2016, explaining why it suppressed or did not take into consideration a report of an inquiry committee related to an inspection on January 3, 2014, but acted upon to grant permission on the basis of another subsequent inspection report by an expert member, Raghunath Dhume on January 8, 2014.
GCZMA has also been asked to explain why a complaint by Kashinath Shetye dated January 1, 2014, in this regard about a residential house, being converted into a hotel was ignored.
The appellant had alleged that GCZMA had not provided him an opportunity to present his case nor acted on his complaint dated January 1, 2014.
Further, GCZMA granted ex-post facto approval/permission for illegal construction already constructed in a no-development zone without stopping the illegal construction activity based on his complaint, Shetye alleged.
The appellant had alleged that GCZMA has approved a residential building (in chalta no 12 PTS no 12 of Panaji city and not any hotel or any commercial building as per the permission was given for residential house bearing ref no GCZMA/N/231/208 dated 09/10/2002.
The construction was extended into the mangrove area without any setbacks on the banks of the Chimbel creek.
The water resources department also constructed a retaining wall behind this structure and that of another resident, who has partly converted his residence into a carpentry unit.