Surat : Gujarat government allots CRZ land for new court building!

Surat : A storm of controversy has erupted in Surat, Gujarat, following the State Government’s decision to allot 50,000 square meters of land at survey number 244/A in Jiav village, Majura area, for the construction of a new district court building. The demand for the cancellation of the allotment has been spearheaded by Darshan Naik, the General Secretary of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC), who claims that the proposed site falls under the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ).

In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Darshan Naik expressed deep concern over the alleged violation of CRZ norms by the Surat District Collector and the Revenue Department. According to Naik, the authorities had recommended the allotment of the land for the court building without consulting the District Level CRZ committee or the Gujarat Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), as mandated by the CRZ notification of 2011/2019.

The CRZ notification strictly prohibits any construction activity in areas designated as inter-tidal zones. Moreover, sub-creeks, creeks, and natural run-off streams surround the proposed site, further complicating the matter. The Gujarat Coastal Zone Management Authority, District Collector of Surat, and Revenue Department’s decision to allocate Block No. 244/A for the court building without proper assessment has sparked outrage among environmental activists and concerned citizens.

As per the CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) notification, the proposed land falls under the “Hazard Line” zone, which is susceptible to adverse weather events and natural hazards, including tsunamis. Considering the sensitivity of the region, adhering to the CRZ regulations is crucial to preserve the delicate coastal ecosystem.

Darshan Naik questioned the District Collector’s authority to allot land within the CRZ for the court building and emphasized the importance of consulting the CRZ committee before proceeding with such proposals. Naik further accused the District Collector of keeping the State Government uninformed about the potential violation.

Naik’s proposition for the new court building to be relocated to a posh area has garnered support from various quarters. Advocates, court staff, and the population of Surat, which stands at approximately 70 lakh, are calling for a modern court facility that prioritizes the interests of all stakeholders. They argue that such relocation would not only preserve the ecological balance but also enhance accessibility and convenience for all parties involved in the judicial process.

“How can the district collector allot the CRZ land for new court building without any consultation?. There is a blatant violation of the CRZ regulation and providing wrong information to the state government” said Naik.

As the debate intensifies, the State Government faces mounting pressure to reevaluate the allotment decision and engage in a transparent dialogue with relevant authorities and stakeholders. The matter has sparked discussions on the importance of balancing urban development with environmental preservation and adhering to regulatory norms to safeguard the natural heritage of the region.