Captain of Ports Issues Stern Warning Against Unauthorized Riverbank Construction in Goa
In a significant development, the Captain of Ports has issued a stern warning against unauthorized construction activities along riverbanks in Goa. The warning comes in response to numerous reports of illegal structures, embankments, and jetty ramps being built without proper approvals.
Unauthorized Development Works Detected
Captain of Ports Octavio Rodrigues revealed that several development works have been observed along riverbanks, inland waters, and areas declared as port limits without obtaining the necessary permissions. Even government departments, including the Water Resources Department (WRD), have been found constructing embankments without proper authorization.
Rodrigues emphasized that any development work in these sensitive areas mandatorily requires prior approval under applicable laws. This strict enforcement aims to protect the ecological balance and ensure navigational safety in Goa's waterways.
Scope of Regulated Areas
The regulations cover a wide range of water bodies and structures:
- Inland waters including canals, rivers, and other navigable waters up to five nautical miles from the coast
- Notified port limits and their approaches
- Structures such as piers, jetties, landing places, wharves, quays, docks, ramps, and moorings
- Any portion of the shore or riverbank within 50 yards of the high water mark, even if privately owned
These provisions are designed to ensure public safety, protect vessel navigation, and maintain the integrity of port infrastructure. The Captain of Ports has made it clear that no exceptions will be made, regardless of whether the construction is undertaken by private entities or government departments.
Legal Framework and Enforcement
The warning underscores the importance of adhering to maritime and environmental regulations. Rodrigues stated that any violation of these rules will face strict legal consequences, as the laws are designed to prevent ecological damage and ensure sustainable development along Goa's precious waterways.
This crackdown on unauthorized construction comes at a time when Goa's river ecosystems face increasing pressure from development activities. The Captain of Ports' office is expected to intensify monitoring and enforcement efforts to curb illegal construction practices along the state's riverbanks and coastal areas.
