MAPUSA
The villagers of Calangute on Sunday decided not to take any resolution on the issue of the coastal village being declared an urban area until officials of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) clarify the implications of such a move, particularly in relation to protecting long-standing houses and structures along the shore.
The decision to defer the resolution came ironically on the eve of World Habitat Day, observed globally on October 6, underscoring Calangute’s continuing struggle to balance development with the protection of its traditional coastal habitat.
At the Sunday’s gram sabha, residents unanimously agreed to convene a special meeting where GCZMA officials would be invited to explain the nitty-gritties of the “urban” classification and its impact on existing dwellings, many of which were built by traditional fishing families decades before the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) law came into force in 1991.
Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira informed villagers that Calangute had already been declared an urban area through a government notification issued in 2021.
He said a delegation from the panchayat and villagers would soon meet the Chief Minister, who also holds the Environment portfolio, to explain the unique predicament faced by the coastal settlement.
“The lives and homes of locals in the coastal belt are under constant threat due to CRZ restrictions,” Sequeira said. “We will not take any decision until the GCZMA officials themselves come and explain the implications to us,” he added.
Former sarpanch Shawn Martins pointed out that the CRZ law was introduced much after many houses were built along the seashore.
“Our people built homes here long before 1991, and as families expanded, they made additions without being aware of CRZ laws,” he said.
Martins added that GCZMA officials had previously hinted that granting urban status could help regularise such homes.
“Still, we must have clarity. Let the GCZMA explain everything to the people,” he stressed, agreeing that Calangute should remain a panchayat and not be converted into a municipality.
Echoing similar sentiments, former sarpanch Anthony Menezes said that even if Calangute’s urban status is retained, it must not lead to the formation of a municipal body.
“We want the concerned departments to come before the people and clear all doubts,” he said.
Local resident Premanand Diukar emphasised the need to understand the legal ramifications of the change.
“We need to know whether the urban tag will alter our administrative structure or expose us to other liabilities,” he said.
Former panchayat member Sudesh Mayekar urged the panchayat to ensure that houses of locals are regularised and protected. “Calangute has to be treated differently. The panchayat and villagers must stay united on this,” he said.
