VELSAO

Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has issued a show-cause notice and stop-work order to a proposed hotel project at Velsao. Following complaints by the villagers, the GCZMA officials held an inspection at the site and took prompt action.

Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha said CRZ clearance obtained by the proponents in 2006 had lapsed and the same had not been renewed as per the procedures, in violation of the Environment Act, 1986. She also mentioned that a personal hearing has also been fixed in the matter on June 12. 

The said hotel project had faced opposition in the Velsao Gram Panchayat. People said that the Sarpanch had given permission blindly to the said project without informing the villagers. However, after heavy opposition from the villagers, the Sarpanch agreed to stop the construction of the hotel project.