SEA OF TROUBLE AHEAD?CRZ scanner on foreigners

CRZ scanner on foreigners
Preetu Nair | TNN

Panaji: On the one hand the Enforcement Directorate, Mumbai, is investigating illegal purchases of land by foreigners in the state. On the other, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) is examining whether structures constructed by foreigners are in violation of CRZ rules and the Environment Protection Act.
GCZMA has discovered constructions by foreigners, especially Russians, that have been built in violation of CRZ rules. Though the precise number is not known, government sources said, “There are quite a number of constructions by foreigners in violation of CRZ. A majority of the violations are by Russians. In Morjim alone, there are more than ten constructions that have violated CRZ norms.”
Some of the major properties under the GCZMA scanner are: Artlidori Resort Pvt Ltd, Casa Blanca and La Valencia hotel, all in Morjim. GCZMA is also reviewing a property purchased by a Russian company—True Axis Resort Pvt Ltd—which purchased about 22,631 sq m of land falling under CRZ area. Incidentally, True Axis is also under investigation by Enforcement authorities as it had purchased about 20,000 sq m of agriculture/forest land in Morjim despite a ban on foreigners purchasing agricultural/forest land in India.
GCZMA member secretary Michael D’Souza said, “We are awaiting a report from the office of the North Goa Collector and only then will we initiate appropriate action against foreigners who have constructed in violation of CRZ and EPA.”

‘Nobody can build in violation of CRZ’

Panaji: Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) is investigating cases of CRZ violations by foreigners in the state.
Environmental lawyer Norma Alvares said, “Nobody can build in violation of CRZ. The question of foreigners building residential houses in CRZ doesn’t arise at all. If they are building resorts, they require permission from the ministry of environment and forests. This is given after the village panchayat forwards the application to GCZMA, which can recommend the approval of permission.” GCZMA officials say that no such permission have been sought from them.
According to GCZMA authorities, the major violators are foreigners who have constructed in partnership with Indians. Explaining the modus operandi, Rajan Ghate, who spearheaded the movement protesting the sale of land to foreigners said, “A foreigner holding a commercial visa teams up with a Goan and they float a partnership firm. The firm invests in properties in Goa, starts a business, buys land and develops it. After a few months, the Goan partner resigns, leaving the properties in the hands of the foreign national.”
However, Vikram Varma, advocate for the Consul General of Russian Federation in Mumbai, said, “We have not received any notice from GCZMA as yet about CRZ violations. On receipt of any such information, we will scrutinise the cases individually.”

June 28, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition