VASCO
Tense moments prevailed yet again in Vasco, but it was by a different group of people and for a different purpose.
A group of locals and activists along with the local municipal councillor on Tuesday stopped an inspection by officials of Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) for a survey in Kharewaddo.
According to sources, local fishermen, activists and local councillors were participating in an awareness programme when they were informed of a surprise inspection by GCZMA officials in the area.
"The entire group of residents, fishermen along with local councillor Mathias Monteiro rushed to the area and confronted the inspection team and asked them if they had any permissions.
Later, Captain Viriato Fernandes explained to authorities that Kharewaddo had been declared as a fishing village in the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) after a resolution was passed by all councillors and CRZ laws were not applicable to demolish houses in a fishing village.
After a lengthy discussion, GCZMA officials left the area and said they would convey the sentiments of residents to their higher-ups, so that they can decide the future course of action," said the source.
Speaking to reporters, Monteiro said he was not aware of any such inspection in Kharewaddo.
"I am an elected representative and I should have been informed so that I could have taken people into confidence. The last time, these authorities did the same thing and carried out a survey and finally demolished houses in the area.”
“We will not allow these inspections and we will not tolerate such activities. All people in the ward will unite against authorities who try such stunts," warned Monteiro.
Captain Viriato Fernandes said the activity amounted to a contempt of court.
"Some houses have already been demolished in the area recently and when we questioned officials, they spoke about an inspection for a jetty project at the request of Mormugao Port Authority (MPA).”
“They have not taken the main stakeholders like the fishermen into confidence and we reminded them that the AG has submitted to the high court that the government will not allow any activity on coastal regulation till the CZMP is finalised and approved. This survey activity could amount to a contempt of court," said Fernandes.
