Report reveals concrete structures in no development zones at Mandrem (Herald)

Report reveals concrete structures in no development zones at Mandrem September 12, 2013 TEAM HERALD PANJIM: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority and Forest Department have found concrete structures in no development zones, destruction of sand dunes and hindrance to turtles while nesting at Mandrem in their report submitted to the National Green Tribunal. According to an inspection report of structures at Mandrem and Ashvem by GCZMA and Forest Department which was submitted to the Green Tribunal, almost all the inspected structures lie in the no development zone and most of the supposedly temporary structures, some built to resemble huts, are partly concretised with floors and bathrooms made of concrete. Many of the structures are in close proximity to the turtle nesting beach and the loud music and illumination of the area have potential to shoo away the marine creatures. The bottles ~both plastic and glass~ could also act as a deterrent to the entry of turtles onto the beach for nesting. In other cases, massive structures exist in violation of no development zone and in some cases construction work in still in progress. One of the resorts ~ Sea View Resort is said to be touching the sea with waves entering the resort. Six huts which are all concrete structures are covered with coconut leaves. According to the report, some of the inspected structures like the Marabela Beach Club which lies in NDZ and the border fall within the inter-tidal area. The report says that the structure was previously inspected by the team in February 2013. The structures that were previously seen existing on the beach were covered in blue and white plastic, but the newly planted lawns were extending even further towards the beach. Also a new second boundary wall of one metre ~a fully concrete structure probably constructed to keep out the sand from the resort~ was seen in addition to the previous wall towards the beach side seen in February. The waves come right to this wall.The whole resort plus garden including a spa and a restaurant and individual rooms built to appear as huts have concrete floors and were not removed during the off season. Also a majority of the structures are not temporary structures but partly concretised especially the floor.The resort is close to the turtle nesting beach and music and illumination as well as plastic and glass bottles can deter the entry of turtles onto the beach. According to the inspection report, the resort lies next to sand dunes and has caused the destruction of sand dunes for the development of the resort garden, bar, restaurant etc. Another structure belonged to Club Fresh, which is also located in close proximity to the turtle nesting site on Morjim beach and disturbances could affect entry to turtles on the beach. Blue Wave at Morjim beach is alleged to be in total violation of the CRZ massive structure previously inspected in February. As of today there has been further extension on the side, with destruction of sand dunes. The massive concrete structures with huge concrete pillars lie within the inter-tidal zone. The NGT was told that the whole structure was lying in the NDZ. It adds that neighbouring sand dunes were destroyed and construction material is in the area which could destroy the natural habitats of marine flora and fauna. The entire boundary is covered with tarpaulin in a bid to hide work which is presently in progress. It is also situated in close proximity of the turtle nesting site of Morjim beach. Another of the sites inspected ~Bardo Club (Ashwem Morjim) and Hotel Micassa are almost touching the sea. The report also names Rocco, where plinths of 21 huts are in NDZ while the Mandala Resort is a huge concrete ground plus two structures. All floors and bathrooms are made of concrete. It appears like a khazan land filled with laterite soil and falls in NDZ, says the report. On Riva Resorts, the report says that all structures extend from road towards the beach and all are in NDZ. The huts and concrete structure are covered with plastic and two huge structures on the border of HTL are however uncovered. http://www.oheraldo.in/News/Main%20Page%20News/Report-reveals-concrete-structures-in-no-development-zones-at-Mandrem/79371.html