Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: To prevent the situation from escalating into a law and order issue, Canacona Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Prataprao Naik Gaunkar on Friday intervened and restored a traditional access pathway at Rajbagh–Tarir that had been blocked by a starred hotel.
The pathway, which locals say has existed for generations, was allegedly obstructed for the past five to six months after The Lalit Golf and Spa Resort, Rajbagh, erected iron-bar fencing and placed a lock on an existing gate. Residents claimed the access is vital not only for daily movement but also for religious rituals, including the traditional Palki ceremony, and serves as the only route to nearly 15 houses in the area.
According to the residents, a complaint was initially filed by Ashok Dhuri before the Canacona Deputy Collector under Section 145 of the CrPC. The proceedings were later transferred to the Deputy Collector of Quepem after objections were raised. Despite the matter being sub judice, locals alleged that the hotel further strengthened the blockage, leading to rising tension and frequent arguments between residents and hotel staff.
On Friday, aggrieved residents planned to take out a morcha demanding immediate removal of the obstruction. However, timely intervention by the Canacona SDM led to discussions with the residents to defuse the situation.
Led by Canacona Municipal Council Chairperson Laxuman Pagui, Vice-Chairperson and Ward Councillor Gandesh Madganvkar, former chairperson and councillor Ramakant Naik Gaunkar, Shantaji Naik Gaunkar and others, the residents demanded immediate restoration of the pathway, warning that they would otherwise remove the obstruction themselves.
Following a site inspection, SDM Prataprao Naik Gaunkar, accompanied by Joint Mamlatdar Gayatri Naik Desai, fire services personnel and police, found that the pathway had been arbitrarily blocked with iron-bar fencing and a locked gate. In the presence of the General Manager and officials of The Lalit Golf and Spa Resort, the SDM ordered the immediate removal of the fencing and a ‘No Trespass’ board, thereby restoring the access.
The SDM directed the hotel not to apply any lock or interfere with the pathway until the Deputy Collector, Quepem, passes final orders in the ongoing proceedings. He said the action was taken to maintain peace and harmony, as the issue had the potential to disturb public order.
Residents welcomed the intervention and thanked the Chief Minister, Canacona MLA and Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, local councillors and the district administration for ensuring restoration of the traditional pathway, also noting that the blockage had earlier prevented access for fire tenders and ambulances.
