Locals oppose govt’s move to lease Benaulim beach parking lot to hotel

PWD Minister Digambar Kamat at Benaulim after he was invited by traditional fishermen led by Pele and others to discuss the government’s move to lease the Benaulim public parking lot to a hotel for 99 years.

MARGAO
Traditional fishermen and local residents have strongly opposed the government’s move to lease the Benaulim beach parking lot to a private hotel for 99 years, raising concerns over livelihoods and public access.

Responding to the growing unrest, PWD Minister Digambar Kamat on Friday assured the aggrieved community that he would convene a meeting with Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Chairman Kedar Naik to discuss and resolve the issue.

The controversy erupted after locals alleged that the decision to lease the parking land was taken without consulting the community. Residents have demanded immediate cancellation of the agreement, warning that the move would adversely impact fishermen, shack operators, and tourist taxi drivers, while also depriving visitors of much-needed parking facilities.

The delegation also highlighted the poor condition of the road from Maria Hall Junction to Benaulim beach, which deteriorates further during the monsoon. They urged the government to undertake urgent hot-mixing work on the stretch.

Minister Kamat, who visited Benaulim at the invitation of the fishing community, assured residents that road repairs would be taken up within 10 days. “I have instructed the contractor to begin the hot-mixing work immediately,” he said.

During the interaction, local representatives including fisherman Pele, Sarpanch Xavier Fernandes, social worker Warren Alemao, and traditional fisherman Remy Fernandes explained how the proposed lease would affect daily activities. They noted that the parking lot, developed during Remy Fernandes’ tenure, has been vital for parking vehicles and drying fishing nets. With limited parking space at Benaulim beach, the facility also serves tourists, especially during peak season.

“We humbly request justice for the local community—fishermen, shack owners, and taxi operators—who depend on fishing and tourism for their livelihood,” Pele said.

After hearing the concerns, Kamat requested the delegation to submit their grievances in writing. He said he would soon meet GTDC officials to understand the proposal in detail and work towards an amicable solution. “The GTDC chairman is my friend, and I will seek an appointment at the earliest. We will discuss the issue threadbare and find a way forward,” he added.

Reaffirming the community’s stance, Warren Alemao later told reporters that Benaulim’s land and livelihoods are “non-negotiable”, warning that residents would strongly resist any move to hand over the public parking space to private entities.