Panaji: Citing delays in environmental damage assessments and restoration measures, Goa Green Brigade has demanded immediate legal action against those responsible for large-scale destruction of mangroves along Moira riverbank and in survey no. 33/1 in Bardez.The environment group has also demanded an assessment of the impact on marine biodiversity and recovery of restoration costs from the alleged offenders. It has also sought an action-taken report within 30 days, warning of legal recourse over the alleged administrative inaction.“Coastal mangroves in Moira are a vital intertidal ecosystem that not only protect its shorelines, but also supports the rich marine biodiversity and its fertile fish breeding grounds,” said Goa Green Brigade convener Avertino Miranda.In a letter to the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), forest department and the department of environment and climate change (DECC) dated Oct 12, the Goa Green Brigade wrote that even after a lapse of over four months, the GCZMA has not conducted an audit of the environmental damage and the number of mangroves destroyed nor have we been informed or provided with any action taken report.The Goa Green Brigade therefore demanded that immediate criminal and punitive action be taken against the culprits involved in destroying the mangroves, that an environmental impact assessment on marine life be conducted and mangrove restoration be initiated, and that all the environment and mangrove restoration costs be recovered from the culprits.They also demanded, as complainant, a copy of the action taken report on this complaint within the next 30 days.“Failing which, we will be compelled to initiate appropriate legal measures in the interest of environmental protection and against your serious acts of dereliction of duties,” the letter states.The forest department could not comment on the matter.
