PANAJI: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has mandated the demolition of a house that was illegally expanded in the no-development zone along the Sal river in Velim. The authority referenced the CRZ Notification of 1991, highlighting its ‘doctrine of containment,’ which allows for toleration of existing structures but prohibits any extension beyond their original dimensions.
The GCZMA noted that the original structure, a mundkarial house, was no longer intact, having been entirely rebuilt with extensions both horizontally and vertically. They asserted that, due to these modifications, the authority deemed the structure in violation of regulations and ordered its demolition.
Survey documents indicated that a small house existed previously, but the GCZMA found that the construction had been significantly altered—transforming from a hut into a ground-plus-one structure—without the necessary approvals. In 2009, the mundkar was only given permission to carry out repairs.
According to the GCZMA, the CRZ Notification acknowledges the ‘doctrine of toleration,’ permitting development that was consistent with prior laws and norms. However, it also emphasizes the ‘doctrine of containment’ to maintain the integrity of designations.
Reports from the deputy collector confirmed that the violators had illegally constructed a multi-story structure in the no-development zone, and they have claimed their rights as mundkars of the land.
