Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: Following locals’ complaint of blocked access/road to Palolem beach shore, authorities have inspected the area where alleged illegal constructions have caused the blockages.
The villagers of Palolem beach have complained of unauthorised blocking of Beach access at Palolem beach claiming an alleged CRZ violation.
A team consisting of Inspector of Survey and Land (Canacona), Dy. Town Planner (Canacona), Range Forest Officer, Padi(Quepem), Assistant Engineer (PWD), Canacona along with Villagers of Palolem conducted the inspection at the places identified by the complainant villagers (Palolem).
Palolem Councillor Simon Rebello, besides other prominent residents of Palolem including Gaspar Coutinho.
The notice for inspection issued by Canacona Mamlatdar Manaoj Korgaonkar also notified Suraj V Pagi, (Member Fishermen Akhil Goa Kshetriya Pagi Samaj, Goa, Antonio Monteiro (Fishermen Association, Vasco), Amindin Mullal.
The notice is issued in accordance to the Dy. Collector and SDO Canacona memorandum dated 09/07/2024 with a direction to carry out joint site inspection along with Taluka Level Committee, as per Standard Operating Procedure and submit the report.
Residents point out to the inspection team that almost all traditional paths to the beach are blocked and requested authorities to verify with the Town Planning records and also requested to check with the land plans of the area, even as the team sought details of the traditionally existing paths and road access to the beach.
Residents questioned the team as to from which side the tourists should access the beach, as everysides are blocked either with walls or constructions. ‘recently one tourist jumped over a compound an injured his leg and had to be taken to the hospital’
The Inspector from survey and land asked the locals to identify on which side the road or access to the beach was existing , and accordingly authorities will ensure to remove if any illegal constructions have come up on its way.’
Councillor Simon Rebelo informed the inspecting team the difficulties faced by fire and emergency teams during rescue operations, particularly, if some drowning incident happens, then the victim had to be bodily carried on the shoulders to reach the nearest vehicle. This has happened so many times.
The inspection team assured to submit their report to the authorities accordingly even as residents stating it is a one time opportunity to discuss and settle the long unattended woes once and the benefits of all.
