Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jul 30: The Bombay High Court at Goa has ordered an immediate halt to the ongoing “beautification” work at Morjim Beach, a known turtle nesting site, after serious allegations of environmental damage surfaced.
The decision came from a division bench of Justice Bharati Dangre and Justice Nivedita Mehta, responding to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Captain Gerald Fernandes, a Morjim resident, and the Goa Foundation.
The court observed that work started on July 24 had visibly damaged the beach's ancient sand dune bank, protected under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) IA guidelines. The judges cited photographic evidence showing significant excavation and uprooting of native vegetation.
“To prevent further destruction, we issue an ad-interim stay on the beautification work being carried out by the contractor (Respondent No. 7), appointed by the GTDC (Goa Tourism Development Corporation),” the order said. The matter has been posted for further hearing on August 11.
The petitioners allege that the Rs 9 crore project, approved by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), was launched without mandatory clearances from the Town Planning department or the local panchayat. Despite being labeled as “temporary,” the project used cement concrete structures and involved excavation with heavy machinery, including two JCBs, reportedly leveling sand dunes critical to the ecosystem.
At a press briefing, Claude Alvares, Director of the Goa Foundation, condemned the GTDC for “blindly acting” on an NOC and causing widespread damage without legal permissions. “They began demolishing dunes without a construction license or even a basic environmental officer present,” he said.
During the court hearing, the petitioners presented images showing up to two meters of sand dunes destroyed and complete removal of dune vegetation, including mature trees.
Advocate General Devidas Pangam informed the court that all activity at the site has been suspended pending further orders.
The stay order is seen as a significant win for environmental groups and local residents seeking to protect one of Goa’s few remaining nesting habitats for endangered Olive Ridley turtles.