NGT notice to Goa govt on plea against beautification of beach

PANAJI: The National Green Tribunal, Pune, today issued notices to Goa government and others in response to a petition filed by a citizen challenging beautification of a beach in the port town of Vasco.

The NGT, in its order, asked state Chief Secretary, Goa Coastal Zone management Authority (GCZMA), Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and Mormugao Municipal Council to appear before the bench on October 4.

The petition, filed by Vasco resident Rajabhau Lahanu Pawar, raised objections to the construction work undertaken by GTDC to beautify Baina beach, the erstwhile red light area in the port town.

The petitioner alleged that the work was being executed in 'No Development Zone', violating the Coastal Regulation Zone notification, 2011.

Earlier, the locals under the banner of Mormugao Vasco Citizens Forum (MVCF) had questioned the beautification project demanding that it should be done keeping a distance of 100 metres from the sea.

They had pointed out that in 2006, GCZMA had demolished structures on the beaches claiming them to be violating the CRZ rules.