​GCZMA findings more logical than NCSCM report: NGT

Panaji: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has dismissed a plea seeking restoration of sand dunes allegedly damaged during the construction of an illegal road on Sernabatim beach, upholding an earlier inspection report by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) that found the site had naturally recovered over time.

The case concerned a road allegedly constructed through sand dunes on a property bearing survey No. 16/7 at Sernabatim in South Goa. The appellant had approached the NGT seeking restoration of the dunes and removal of structures belonging to the alleged violators.

Although the matter dates back to 2014, a site inspection was carried out in 2020 by the GCZMA and the Goa State Biodiversity Board after the case came up before the tribunal. The inspection found that the damaged dunes had undergone natural restoration, with sand deposition and vegetation growth covering most of the affected stretch.

According to the report, the road was largely covered with bushes and shrubs, with only a small section remaining devoid of natural vegetation. It noted that years of leaving the area undisturbed had allowed sand accumulation and regeneration of dune vegetation.

Dissatisfied with the findings, the appellant continued to press for active restoration measures, prompting the NGT to constitute a joint committee that included a representative from the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Chennai.

However, after examining both reports, the tribunal found the GCZMA’s assessment more convincing.

“We find that the report filed by the GCZMA earlier, stating that the site in question has already got restored due to natural process, seems to be more logical,” the NGT said, adding that the subsequent report by the committee, of which NCSCM was a member, “does not inspire confidence”.

The tribunal concluded that no further directions were required for restitution of the site and upheld the GCZMA’s decision to reject the appellant’s representation.

“The representation of the appellant, which has been rejected by respondent No.1-GCZMA, appears to have been rejected appropriately,” the NGT said.