Calangute, July 22: Fresh allegations of illegal destruction of ecologically sensitive sand dunes at Calangute have surfaced after a video purportedly showing JCB excavators levelling dunes in a No Development Zone (NDZ) went viral on social media. The incident has triggered fresh complaints to the State Chief Secretary and regulatory authorities, with environmental activists demanding immediate intervention and strict action against those responsible.

According to the Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF), the alleged violation took place at a beachside property in Khobravaddo, Calangute, falling under Survey No. 208/1C. The forum claimed that despite previous directions issued by the Bombay High Court at Goa, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), and repeated complaints, excavation and levelling activities have continued unabated.

The controversy came to light after a viral video showed two JCB excavators clearing and levelling sand dunes at the site. A person seen supervising the work reportedly claimed that the excavation was being carried out on behalf of the Calangute Village Panchayat.

However, Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira categorically denied the allegation, stating that the panchayat had no role in the excavation. He said that immediately after receiving information about the viral video, he lodged a complaint with the Calangute Police, demanding that the work be stopped and the machinery seized.

The Sarpanch further recalled that the Bombay High Court had taken suo motu cognisance of the destruction of sand dune vegetation on the same property in 2022. He added that the panchayat would discuss the issue in its forthcoming meeting and pass an appropriate resolution, while clarifying that it does not have the authority to directly seize heavy machinery.

Meanwhile, the Calangute Constituency Forum has submitted a fresh complaint to the Chief Secretary and other regulatory agencies, alleging that the property owner has repeatedly ignored court directions and statutory orders. The forum contended that the continued activities demonstrate blatant disregard for environmental laws and directives issued by the High Court, GCZMA and the village panchayat.

CCF President Agnelo Barreto stated that levelling and excavation of sand dunes causes irreversible environmental damage and is prohibited under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notifications of 2011 and 2019. He pointed out that sand dunes are classified as CRZ-I areas and form an integral part of the No Development Zone, making any activity that alters, excavates or destroys them illegal.

The forum has urged the authorities to immediately issue a fresh show-cause-cum-stop-work notice, halt all ongoing excavation and transportation of sand, restore the damaged dunes at the violators’ expense, and initiate stringent legal proceedings, including the imposition of environmental compensation penalties.