Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jul 13: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has pulled up local authorities for failing to act on a demolition order issued by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), calling the delay “surprising” and unjustified.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Bharati Dangre and Justice Nivedita Mehta expressed dismay over the inaction, noting that a statutory order issued on February 28, remained unimplemented merely due to the unavailability of a demolition squad.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Anil Naik, who sought enforcement of the GCZMA’s directive under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The order mandates the demolition of illegal constructions in Survey Nos. 119/3 and 116/35 in Morjim village and restoration of the land to its original condition.

The GCZMA had followed due procedure, including issuing show-cause notices and holding a meeting on December 10, 2024, before finalising the demolition order. The Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Pernem were given 30 days to act, with an additional 15-day window for enforcement in case of non-compliance.

However, with no action taken within the deadline, the authorities submitted a memorandum to the court on July 1, requesting a demolition squad. The court recorded the request but reminded them of their statutory responsibility.

The Bench has now directed the Deputy Collector and SDO Pernem to ensure the availability of the demolition squad and implement the GCZMA’s order within the next 10 days.