Panaji: In a significant move towards environmental conservation, the Bombay High Court at Goa has taken up a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the large-scale filling and degradation of khazan lands and mangroves in several villages. The PIL, filed by Kashinath Jairam Shetye and eight others, highlights ongoing environmental damage in the survey areas of Merces and Murda villages.
The petition, heard by Justices M.S. Karnik and Valmiki Menezes, revolves around the alleged inaction by the Department of Forest, the Collector of North Goa, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority, and the Village Panchayat of Merces. Despite numerous complaints, the authorities reportedly failed to address the environmental degradation.
In response, the court has granted permission to the petitioners to include additional respondents, specifically the Comunidade of Morombi-o-grande, Morombi-o-pequeno, and Murda, along with the Department of Forest. Notices have been issued to these newly added respondents, with the next hearing scheduled for July 16, 2024.
Mr. Deep Shirodkar, representing the Department of Forest, has waived the service for his client and requested additional time to provide a detailed report on the actions taken by the department.
Acknowledging the complexity of the case, the court has appointed Mr. Nigel Da Costa Frias as Amicus Curiae to assist in the proceedings, ensuring an unbiased and thorough examination of the issues at hand.
This development marks a critical step in addressing the environmental concerns in Goa, aiming for a more stringent enforcement of conservation laws and proactive measures to protect the region’s delicate ecosystem.
