Panaji: The Coastal Zone Management Authority of Goa (GCZMA) has imposed a fine of RS 10 Lakh at the shipyard to use more than 2,000 square meters of land in the coastal regulatory zone (CRZ) without valid permission.
The second shipyard was fined Rs 5 Lakh.
Companies have been asked to restore the damaged Crz area to its original state within four weeks, at their own expenses.
Fishermen from Cortalim have submitted an application before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2016 against shipyards to block channels for traditional fishermen.
“The authority observed that there was an area of 2,177 square meters with a portion and slippage.
The authorities noted that shipyards claimed that the area belonged to them and used it for foreshore activities.
Respondents have failed to produce in recording any documents that describe which authority has given permission The same thing.
Captain Port has clearly indicated that the area of 2.177sqm is without permission from them, “Gczma said.
GCZMA said that if the company failed to recover land in the specified period, the port captain and the river navigation department would do the same with the cost of the respondent.
Authority was decided to impose the cost of the 10 lakh Rs to be restored from respondents as compensation for environmental damage in the area, he said.
The second company was found using 572SQM area in CRZ in Cortalim without permission from any authority.
The fishermen had fought this case against shipyards for years.
The complainant said that the barge of the ship brought for repairs was anchored to block Coralim Creek, blocking the waterways and disrupting their fishing rights.
The complainant also said that the river industry pollution was taking place due to metal disposal, debris, rust and chemicals from ship buildings and repair activities.
Four shipbuilders retain charges made by fishermen.
Based on the NGT direction, GCZMA in August has directed the captain of the port to identify the allending structures in Cortralim Creek and violators and to improve responsibility.
Goa Coastal Body Fines 2 Shipyards for Violations
