Accusing the government of a dual policy on structures violating CRZ rules, the Mormugao Vasco Citizens’ Forum (MVCF) on Monday filed a complaint with the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) and set a deadline of 15 days to stop ongoing concrete work at Baina beach.
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Addressing the media on Tuesday, MCVF President Andrew Alvares said the government was following dual policy as far as CRZ is concerned.
“The government on one hand is demolishing structures which had come up in violation of CRZ 2011 and on other hand is involved in constructing concrete structures at Baina beach in the No Development Zone and in gross violation of CRZ notification 2011,” said Alvares.
“We are not against any development and beautification at Baina beach, but the government should also follow the rules as it applies to others,” added Alvares.
“We don’t understand how Baina beach beautification will help in attracting tourists when the beach is not maintained and is used by the remaining migrants to answer nature’s call and defecate in the open on the beach,” said Alvares.
“No tourists want to see a beach full of garbage and human excreta by beautifying a small stretch by spending crores of public money,” stated Alvares.
Alvares said the government should first stop parking of trucks, other trailers at the beach side, as the truck drivers and cleaners create nuisance at the beach.
He added that before taking up the beautification project, the government should clear the beach of debris that is left behind after demolishing the illegal shanties, create infrastructure that can attract tourists, which will generate revenue to the port town and to the State.
Speaking on the controversial structures of the traditional fishermen, Alvares requested the government to rehabilitate them and then think of demolishing their structures.
Alvares however warned GCZMA that if it fails to stop the ongoing work within 15 days, then the Forum will be forced to approach the High Court and Green Tribunal at Pune to seek justice.
Vikram Naik of MVCF said Baina beach is the second beach in the State, the first being at Betul, where one can witness two islands off the shore which can be developed as tourist attraction.
“Instead of beautifying the beach, the government should think of developing the two islands, as many tourists from North and South visit the island either for snorkeling or for scuba diving, as it is rich with coral and other marine life.”
“Once the two islands are developed, then not only the beach will be a tourist attraction but it will also generate tourism-related activities and the locals will be able to earn their living when there is shortage of jobs,” said Naik.
“As mentioned, we are not against the beautification, but it should be in line with the Miramar beach,” added Naik.
Mormugao Vasco Citizens’ Forum not against beautification at Baina beach, but wants the government to also follow the rules it applies to others
Beautification of the beach won’t attract tourists to the beach, which it claims, is used by the migrants to answer nature’s call
It wants the government to first stop parking of trucks, other trailers at the beach side
The Forum wants rehabilitation of traditional fishermen before the government can think of demolishing their structures
