PANAJI
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has ordered a major crackdown on illegal encroachments in Agonda, directing the South Goa Deputy Collector to remove more than 20 temporary and permanent tourism-related structures allegedly built on government land and restore the property to its original condition.
The action follows a complaint filed in October 2022 by Agonda resident Abel Tome Borges, alleging that several hotels, restaurants, resorts and private individuals had encroached on government land bearing Survey No. 151/1 at Agonda.
After examining the records, the Authority noted that the complaint had been referred to the District Level Committee (DLC) for an inquiry. Based on the committee’s inspection report and verification of Form I & XIV, the GCZMA found that Survey No. 151/1 is registered in the name of the Government of Goa and that several violations exist on the property.
CRZ VIOLATIONS
The Authority noted that the DLC report identified both permanent and temporary tourism-related structures allegedly constructed in violation of the CRZ Notification, 2011. The structures were also found to be located within the high tide line limits.
Following this, the GCZMA directed the Deputy Collector, South Goa, to remove all encroachments, reclaim the government land and restore it to its original condition at the earliest. “It is seen that there are violations in the property bearing Sy No 151/1 of Agonda Village. Authority issues directions to Deputy Collector, South Goa to remove the encroachments thereby reclaiming the Government land and restore the same to its original position at the earliest,” the minutes of the meeting stated.
19 VIOLATORS IDENTIFIED
The alleged violators include Simrose Hotel Pvt Ltd, Bay Agonda Hotel, Snoopy Restaurant, Cupid Heaven Resorts, The Village Agonda Huts & Restaurant, Mariposa Huts & Restaurant, Paradise Restaurant, Agonda Beach Villa Huts & Restaurant, Arya Cottages, Riya Cottages, Sea Star Resort, Locas Dun & Chill Restaurant and Hidden Garden Huts & Restaurant, besides several private individuals. In all, the action covers 19 identified violators and more than 20 temporary and permanent structures on the government land.
