Mandrem & Morjim (Goa): The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Western Zone Bench has reinforced its strict, zero-tolerance approach toward unauthorized commercial expansion in Goa’s ecologically fragile coastal stretches of Mandrem and Morjim, where sensitive sand dune systems and Olive Ridley turtle nesting habitats are under constant environmental pressure.
Officials note that the tribunal’s sustained interventions are aimed at ensuring strict compliance with Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms, particularly in No Development Zones (NDZ), where construction activity is heavily restricted.
Crackdown on “Temporary” Structures Used for Permanent Construction
A key focus of the NGT has been the misuse of permissions granted for temporary beach shacks and eco-cottages, which are allegedly being converted into permanent concrete structures.
Under CRZ rules, only fully temporary, biodegradable structures are permitted in NDZ areas during non-monsoon months. The tribunal has repeatedly ordered demolitions where violations were established, including a case involving 24 cottage blocks and a restaurant at Ashwem-Mandrem beach, where reinforced cement concrete (RCC) elements were reportedly used despite claims of temporary construction.
Strict Proof Requirement for Pre-1991 Coastal Properties
The tribunal continues to enforce a strict evidentiary standard for coastal properties, requiring owners to prove that any structure within 500 meters of the High Tide Line (HTL) existed prior to the CRZ Notification dated February 19, 1991, or possesses valid coastal clearance.
Several appeals by hotels and resorts have been dismissed for failing to provide conclusive proof of pre-1991 existence. In one notable instance, the NGT upheld demolition orders against an alleged illegal G+3 structure and swimming pool in Morjim after the owner could not establish compliance with the cutoff date.
Increased Oversight of GCZMA
The NGT has also intensified scrutiny of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), criticizing instances of delayed action and improper disposal of show-cause notices in cases involving influential developers.
To improve transparency and accountability, the tribunal has directed that inventories of illegal coastal structures be made publicly accessible through official online platforms.
Jurisdictional Limits on Demolition Orders
While maintaining a firm stance on violations, the NGT has also ensured that enforcement remains within legal boundaries. In several reviews of large-scale demolition directives, the tribunal has clarified that only structures falling within the defined CRZ limits are subject to action, safeguarding inland properties outside coastal jurisdiction.
Environmental Balance at the Core
The tribunal’s ongoing interventions underline a broader objective: balancing regulated coastal development with long-term ecological protection of Goa’s coastline, particularly in environmentally sensitive zones.
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