An expert panel under the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed a hotel company in Bambolim, Goa, to restore a hill damaged during construction activities. The order follows a complaint filed by a local resident alleging unauthorized excavation and deforestation at the site, leading to environmental degradation.
The committee, comprising environmentalists and local authorities, conducted an on-site inspection and found violations of construction norms. The hotel firm was instructed to implement eco-restoration measures, including reforestation and slope stabilization, to mitigate the damage caused.
The panel also emphasized the need for stricter adherence to environmental regulations in construction projects near ecologically sensitive zones like Bambolim. Residents have welcomed the decision, citing concerns about increased landslide risks and loss of biodiversity in the area.
This case highlights the growing tension between development and environmental preservation in Goa, a state renowned for its natural beauty and thriving tourism industry. The NGT’s intervention underscores the importance of sustainable practices to balance infrastructure growth with ecological responsibility. The hotel company has assured compliance with the directives and pledged to work closely with the panel to restore the hill and prevent further harm.
