PERNEM
The commencement of demolitions of 23 structures in violation of CRZ norms at the Temwada area near Morjim beach has sparked outrage and alarm among locals in the area.
Accusing the administration of applying double standards, many locals claimed that while homes and commercial structures of the local fishing community—who have lived in the area for generations—are being demolished, no action has yet been taken against numerous structures built by non-Goans in the coastal zone.
They alleged that several hotels, resorts, restaurants and guest houses constructed by non-Goans in the coastal belt appear to have escaped similar action.
According to locals, many fishermen in the Temwada area had repaired their ancestral homes and carried out necessary extensions to accommodate growing families. However, the landowner Anil Naik objected to these additions and filed complaints with the GCZMA. The matter subsequently went to court, and the high court ordered action against the structures in question.
Locals have demanded that the administration adopt a uniform and fair approach towards all constructions. They claimed that action against the homes of coastal residents should not be selective and that the same standards must be applied to all structures.
