MARGAO
Social worker Warren Alemao has strongly condemned what he termed as the illegal road construction carried out at Sernabatim, under Colva Village Panchayat, claiming the activity has led to the complete destruction of a protected sand dune.
In a letter to the authorities, Warren has pointed out that the site in question is clearly marked as a sand dune in the Regional Plan and is also sub judice, with the matter pending before the court.
Despite this, he claimed the Colva Panchayat has gone ahead with the work, showing utter disregard for the law and judicial process.
?Let it be made absolutely clear ? sand dunes are ecologically sensitive CRZ-I areas, and any form of construction or disturbance is strictly prohibited under law,? he told the media
Warren said the National Green Tribunal and the Bombay High Court at Goa have repeatedly ruled that sand dunes must be protected and cannot be destroyed for any development activity.
This raises serious questions: ?Under what authority was this work permitted? How did the BDO and its Technical Cell allow construction on a sub judice property? How did the Colva Panchayat take a resolution when the matter is sub judice?, he asked.
Saying that this is not a mistake, Warren has demanded an immediate inspection of the site, besides a full-fledged inquiry into the role of the Colva Panchayat, Panchayat Secretary and BDO Technical Cell. He has further demanded strict legal action under the Goa Panchayat Raj Act and environmental laws and immediate steps to restore the destroyed sand dune ecosystem.
?Sand dunes are Goa?s natural shield against coastal erosion, flooding, and climate impact. Destroying them is not development ? it is a crime against our environment and future generations. If swift action is not taken, I will not hesitate to approach the National Green Tribunal and the Bombay High Court to ensure justice and accountability?, he said, adding ?This issue concerns the residents of Colva and Goa, and I assure you ? this fight will be taken to the very end?.
