MAPUSA
A concerning trend of unauthorized constructions has emerged along the fragile coastline of Anjuna, as new structures continue to proliferate despite legal interventions.
Despite the closure of 175 illegal commercial establishments under the directive of the High Court, new constructions are rampant in Anjuna, flouting coastal rules and regulations.
The emergence of structures on hills and beachfronts, notably behind Romeo Lane and near the Sunburn club at Ozrant, in front of Titlees and at the side of Glory restaurant which was demolished last year, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in curbing unauthorised developments.
The construction activities on steep hills signal a blatant disregard for coastal regulations.
Villagers have raised alarm over the involvement of influential individuals from Delhi and North India, purportedly leveraging governmental connections to bypass legal hurdles.
Local residents have voiced frustrations over the lack of enforcement by authorities.
“It's a free-for-all on the beachside of Anjuna. People from Delhi and other parts of North India come here and start businesses along the coast in the State. We don't have any problem with people doing business here. However, the issue arises when they construct structures while disregarding all the laws. How can someone build a structure in the No Development Zone?” remarked Sagardeep Sirsaikar, an Anjuna resident.
Interestingly, a notice board near the construction site behind the Romeo Lane displays an NOC for proposed erection of temporary cottages and restro lounge.
“The licence indicates that the NOC is for temporary cottages. However, the construction seems to be of a permanent nature. What are the authorities doing?” questioned Sirsaikar.
Despite the High Court's reprimand of the local panchayat for issuing construction licences without due diligence, such practices persist unabated.
“In spite of the High Court’s admonishment, the local panchayat persistently issues licences without conducting thorough on-site verifications,” remarked Jawish Moniz, another local.
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) also faces scrutiny for its role in granting licenses to structures violating coastal norms.
Anjuna Sarpanch Laxmidas Chimulkar has expressed helplessness in tackling the rampant violations, citing challenges in enforcing licence conditions and facing subsequent stay orders from other government departments.
“If we take action against someone who violates the conditions, another department often imposes a stay on our actions. What options do we have?" questioned Chimulkar.
The situation underscores a systemic failure in governance and enforcement mechanisms, allowing for the unchecked proliferation of illegal constructions along the Anjuna coastline.
