A demolished structure in Anjuna.
Photo Credits: Narayan Pissurlenkar
ANJUNA
In recent times, Anjuna, a vibrant coastal village in Goa, has found itself at the centre of legal battles and challenges that threaten the very existence of longstanding businesses. Entrepreneurs and activists, deeply rooted in the history and culture of this coastal haven, have raised their voices to defend their legitimacy amidst the looming spectre of demolitions and closures.
After the order was passed and sealing activities began in Anjuna-Vagator, the villagers had called for a day-long bandh, after which the villagers met the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant where he said that that the Goa government would file an intervention petition in the Supreme Court against the High Court order directing the sealing of commercial establishments at Anjuna.
“We have requested that a High Court intervention petition be filed. Additionally, the government is requesting that the Supreme Court intervene in favour of those with legitimate business and construction licenses, challenging that order,” said Sawant.
He further said that the government is prepared to assist them, he said. He claimed that false information submitted to the court by the Anjuna Panchayat and Panchayat Secretary caused the High Court to issue a sealing order for 175 local businesses.
“Obviously, the Panchayat Secretary made a mistake,” Sawant declared. He claimed that the Panchayat and Secretary had made incorrect statements and submitted an incorrect affidavit to the court.
When The Goan reporter met the locals in Anjuna to know their side of the story, the happy Anjuna village has now partial turned into stressful and sad village as they have to fight a legal battle for their survival and future generation. They say, “We are not just new business people. We are here since 1962. Like our grandparents, ancestors' business, this thing, like when hippies started coming to Goa, they started as the government also wanted someone to promote tourism”
Carlos Fernandes, a restaurant owner in Anjuna, stands as a representative voice for the coastal businesses. His concerns echo the sentiments of those whose establishments face sealing and demolition threats following a recent court order affecting 175 structures in Anjuna and Vagator.
Fernandes highlighted the historical context of these businesses, harking back to 1962 when their grandparents pioneered the local tourism scene to accommodate visiting hippies. His impassioned plea revolves around the absence of TCP (Town and Country Planning) and CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) licenses during the establishment of these businesses. He urges the government to acknowledge the foundational role these establishments played in promoting tourism, emphasizing their operation prior to the 1991 implementation of CRZ regulations.
In defense of local entrepreneurs, Fernandes spoke on their commitment to regulatory requirements, possessing trade licenses and various NOCs covering health, safety, and taxes. He demanded for the regularization of local businesses, based on their integral role in the social sentiments and heritage.
Carlos added, "See, all were given permissions for restaurants, guest house and other small business. All the restaurants NOC, Trade licenses, excise license, health department NOC, food and drugs NOC, Fire NOCs are there. Hence now they should regularize and legalize our business."
Meanwhile, a guest house owner Vasant Naik from Anjuna shared the historical roots of their family's businesses, dating back to the late '70s. From humble beginnings with a chai shop and guest houses initiated by their grandmother, these establishments thrived as the coastal landscape transformed, contributing to the region's economic growth.
However, a recent High Court order has cast a shadow over these enterprises. Naik expresses uncertainty and distress caused by the challenges to the legitimacy of trade licenses and the potential for demolitions. He emphasizes the critical role played by these businesses in providing employment and sustenance to many families, particularly in the absence of government jobs on the coastal line.
Vasant Naik said, "Our grandmother started this business long back in the late '70s. And after that, it was going on. So later on, we slowly applied for all licenses. Before we were earning like that only. We used to rent guest houses for 10 rupees a room. That there was nothing on the beaches. It was like that."
When questioned if this will affect the tourism industry in the state especially in Anjuna he said, "Definitely. For sure. Tourism will collapse in this matter. If the government moves on with this, the way the High Court orders, because if they say we are illegal and as we started tourism via illegal means, definitely the whole of Goa is illegal."
Naik's call for government intervention centres on the consideration of historical context. The potential loss of these businesses raises questions about the broader implications on the local economy and the livelihoods of those dependent on these ventures.
Another local businessman and senior citizen Naresh Harmalkar from Anjuna spoke in tears about uncertainty of his livelihood. At this age where will he go, his entire livelihood and earning comes from his restaurant. This restaurant was a small tea stall that was started by his mother nearly 7 decades ago. His family including his aged mother is totally dependent on this business, "We have all the documents, NOC from Panchayat, FDA, Fire & services, Excise etc and we also pay all taxes to different department, and still we are illegal?, he questioned.
Even the youth from the coastal village have raised their eyebrows and concerns towards the government saying that when we are doing our own business by paying all the taxes today our business are being shut down.
Rohan Naik, a local youth, said "We are doing businesses from 1961. We, are in it, like our grandfathers were doing it. They started with a small chai shop. We are not saying we are illegal. We have all the licenses from the department."
When questioned about confidence in Supreme Court Intervention he added "No, definitely we have all the documents. 100% we will get a stay in this matter. Because the High Court has not heard from us nor has it seen documents that we have."
Addressing concerns about the potential impact on the village and tourism if the current trajectory continues, Naik warns of a collapse in livelihoods and tourism. He underscores the historical significance of Anjuna in Goa's tourism narrative, tracing its origins to the arrival of hippies who discovered Goa through the village.
Naik challenges the perception of illegality and calls for a comprehensive examination of TCP licenses across Goa. Expressing confidence in Supreme Court intervention, he anticipates a stay, emphasizing the need for a fair assessment of evidence and documents submitted.
Speaking on concerns about potential impacts on the village and tourism, Naik warns of a collapse in livelihoods and tourism.
Noise pollution
Meanwhile, social activist from Anjuna-Vagator Ravi Harmalkar, who is always against noise pollution on the Anjuna coastline, sheds light on the persistent challenges in controlling loud music amidst recent sealing and closures of various establishments.
Ravi stressed the difficulty in curbing noise pollution due to the reluctance of authorities, including the police and pollution control board.
Implementation of High Court orders, according to Ravi, depends on government authorities and law enforcement, often displaying reluctance due to alleged connections with those responsible for loud music.
Ravi anticipates temporary relief with the recent sealing of establishments but remains skeptical about a lasting impact, considering potential stays granted by the Supreme Court.
On the broader issue of noise pollution along the coastal belt, Ravi reiterates its uncontrollable nature and stresses the necessity of serious government and police intervention for effective regulation.
