CANACONA
Following complaints from locals regarding blocked access to Palolem beach, officials on Tuesday inspected the area where alleged illegal constructions have led to the blockages.
A team consisting of the Inspector of Land Survey (Canacona), Dy. Town Planner (Canacona), Range Forest Officer, Padi (Quepem), and Assistant Engineer (PWD), Canacona, along with a group of locals, inspected the places identified by the complainants. Palolem Councillor Simon Rebello and another leader, Gaspar Coutinho, were also present.
Residents pointed out to the inspection team that almost all traditional paths to the beach are blocked and requested authorities to verify with the Town Planning records.
They also requested officials to check land plans of the area, even as the team sought details of the traditionally existing paths and road access to the beach.
Residents sought to know from the team which side tourists should access the beach, since almost all sides are blocked either with walls or constructions.
“Recently, one tourist injured his leg after jumping over a compound and had to be taken to the hospital,” said a local.
The Inspector from the Land Survey office asked the locals to identify on which side the road or access to the beach existed, and accordingly, authorities would remove any illegal constructions in its way.
Councillor Simon Rebello informed the inspecting team of the difficulties faced by fire and emergency teams during rescue operations.
He claimed that if someone is rescued from drowning, the victim has to be carried on the shoulders to reach the nearest vehicle.
The inspection team assured the residents that they would submit their report to the authorities, while residents demanded a resolution to their woes.
