K D SADHALE Vs. STATE OF GOA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) HEARD Mr. V. Menezes, learned Amicus Curiae, Mr. Kamat, learned Additional Government Advocate for respondents no.1 to 3, Mr. Shirodkar, learned Counsel for respondent no.4, Mr. V. Rodrigues, learned Advocate holding for Mr. Pereira, learned Counsel for respondent no.7, Mr. Lawande, learned Counsel for respondents no.18 and 22 and Mr. Rao, learned Counsel for respondent no.25.

(2.) COGNIZANCE of letter dated 15th October, 1996 addressed by the members of Nirmal Vishwa, Goa alleging illegal and unauthorised cutting of hillocks, felling of trees and causing extensive devastation and destruction of ecology and greenery, was taken by this Court, pursuant to which the present writ petition came to be registered as public interest litigation. Notices were issued to several parties against whom allegations of illegal and unauthorized developments in and around Ponda at different sites were made. Pursuant to the directions given by this Court, respondent no.7, South Goa Planning and Development Authority as well as on behalf of Chief Town Planner, respondent no.8, affidavits and reports have been filed. From time to time, this Court passed several orders giving certain directions to the authorities concerned.

(3.) MR. Menezes, learned Amicus Curiae further submitted that in respect of the above referred six sites, the concerned authorities have filed affidavits and reports suggesting certain measures which are required to be taken by the concerned persons so as to undo the damage done to the respective properties by carrying out illegal developments without seeking prior permissions from the concerned authorities. Mr. Menezes further submitted that it would be, therefore, appropriate to direct the owners of the concerned properties to undertake remedial measures so that no further damage is done to the said properties and to see that no damage is done to the hill profiles.