PANAJI
While the opposition claim that a move to approach the Supreme Court rather then working out a legislative solution in the Anjuna 'illegal structure' matter a "time buying tactic", the Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira is very clear that State has no powers to interfere with the Central law governing Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ).
Last week, the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Environment Minister held series of meetings with various Union Ministries on issues concerning the state. The State government even approached Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) on Sand Mining and CZMP. However, the government had the opportunity to seek exemption from the Centre on CRZ rules to benefit the local community.
"That is Chief Minister's prerogative. I cannot comment on that. Appeal in the Supreme Court is the best thing we could have done and that we are doing," Sequeira said adding "legislation as a cure is not something that can be brought overnight".
“If we could take some decision with regards to law, we would love to do it as ultimately, we have to protect our people. But we can only express our views…beyond that we have no powers as the CRZ issue is governed by Central law,” he said further.
“CRZ Rules and Regulations come under the Environment Protect Act of the Government of India and we have no powers whatsoever to amend or interfere with that Act,” the Minister added.
Following protest by the locals, whose livelihood were affected due to the recent order of the High Court directing authorities to seal 175 structures operating in No Development Zone (NDZ), the State government has decided to challenge the order before the Supreme Court.
"At the end of the day, the endeavour of the government is to provide relief to the local people who are affected. We look forward to getting positive order,” he said.
Last week, the division bench directed the panchayat to stop operations and seal 175 commercial establishments, including many restaurants and lodges for operating in violation of CRZ norms and for lacking permissions from various authorities.
The court had ruled that no commercial activities can be carried out from such structures if they do not have occupancy certificates and clearances under GCZMA, Panchayat Raj Act, town planning rules and Health Act.
