PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has issued interim order restraining further landfilling and any alteration of land at Morombi-O-Pequeno after a court-appointed Task Force estimated that restoring the damaged property would cost at least Rs 1.69 crore, excluding the yet-to-be-assessed environmental losses caused to surrounding mangroves and eco-sensitive khazan lands.
The interim order follows a site inspection carried out by the Task Force on May 18, 2026, to assess alleged illegal landfilling and the resulting ecological damage on property bearing Survey No. 58/1. According to the report submitted before the court, the extent of the damage is substantial, with restoration of the land to its original condition alone estimated at Rs 1,69,87,878.
The court noted that the estimated amount pertains only to physical restoration of the land and does not include compensation for wider environmental degradation, the assessment of which is still pending.
The property is presently in the possession of the private respondents. Despite notices served, as confirmed by the Bailiff’s report, neither the respondents nor their legal representatives appeared before the court during the morning or afternoon sessions.
Taking note of the Task Force findings and the respondents’ absence, the High Court directed that no further landfilling or change in the nature of the land be carried out.
“Considering that the cost of restoration of the land has now been estimated by the Task Force, we also deem it appropriate to ensure the securing of the cost of restoration by putting the occupants of the land and both the respondents to certain terms,” the court observed.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on June 17 when the court is expected to consider measures for securing the funds required for restoration.
