Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Jan 16: The High Court on Wednesday heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) raising concerns over ongoing construction near the Olive Ridley turtle nesting site at Agonda Beach, a protected area.

The petitioner highlighted that Agonda Beach has been designated as a No Development Zone by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA). Out of the total 82,000 square meters of beach area, 80,000 square meters are marked as a turtle nesting site, with the GCZMA declaring the beach to have zero carrying capacity.

The plea emphasized that any commercial activity or construction in the vicinity of this ecologically sensitive zone could adversely impact the fragile ecosystem and harm the nesting turtles.

Responding to the concerns, the High Court issued notices to the respondent government authorities and directed them to submit relevant reports and a current status report by Monday.