Citizens of Bambolim-Goa -Please Stand Up

Its been a long wait, and now finally the citizens of Bambolim have gathered momentum in their efforts to have access to a beach, which has been comfortable made a private beach by Cidade de Goa. The High Court decision has been a shot in the arm for the citizens. Its now high time, that Government Machinery takes cognizance of the fact and provides access of this beach to same citizens who vote for them.

HC directs GCZMA to file fresh report on Fomento Resorts

NT Legal Correspondent

Panaji, Aug 23 The division bench of the Bombay High Court comprising of Mr Justice RMS Khandeparkar and Mr Justice R S Mohite has directed the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to file a fresh report on Fomento Resorts and Hotels Ltd.

The court passed the orders after it was brought to its notice that both the petitioner and the village panchayat of Taleigao were not present when the inspection was carried out.

The court has directed GCZMA to conduct fresh inspection in the presence of the petitioner and the village panchayat of Taleigao and to submit a report within two weeks.

Petition was filed by the residents of Vaiguinim valley against the GCZMA, village panchayat of Taleigao, Planning and Development Authourity, Fomento Beach Resorts and others on the ground that the respondents have permitted Cidade to privatise and monopolise the public beach.

In the petition it was stated that GCZMA was derelict in its duty to prevent breach of CRZ notification by Fomento Resorts by refusing to act against the violations committed.

It was brought to the notice of the court that, the entire beach was occupied by beach beds, beach umbrellas and barbeque platforms.

It was also noticed that there was a private jetty right into the Zuari for water sports. Further it was noted that Fomento had erected shed on the beach for water sports activity and another shed was erected on the rocks for generation plant and equipment installation.

They also observed private chambers in a public nullah and that all the sewage was directly released in Zuari river and the sewage treatment plant is close to the residential buildings.

Being aggrieved by the various illegalities committed by the Fomento Resorts and the inaction by the respondents to prevent or abet such illegality the writ petition was filed in the court.