MAPUSA
The government is toying with the idea of putting a halt in issuing construction licences to mega and building projects in Anjuna panchayat area, ostensibly to bring about planned development.
"Unplanned development and reckless construction activity may cause irreparable damage to the look and demography of Anjuna which should be prevented. A halt to construction and a relook of this aspect will be the correct action," said Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai.
Comparing the scenic beauty of Anjuna to that of Mykonos Island in Greece, Sardessai told The Goan that there was need to develop the village as top tourist destination.
"There are illegal colonies that are mushrooming in the village. There is no proper garbage and sewage management. If this is not arrested it could cause irreparable damage to the place," he said.
The TCP minister further said that he concurred with the Water Resources Minister Vinoda Paliencar and the local MLA\'s grouse of skewed development in Anjuna, which could take a toll on the beauty of the village.
"As a TCP minister, it is my duty that land development happens everywhere particularly in areas of tourist importance. Since Anjuna is at the heart of tourist development in North Goa, we need to bring about a holistic development," he said.
When queried why the focus was on Anjuna, the TCP minister said there was still scope to save the village from degrading further like other tourist spots.
"Look at Calangute. It\'s beyond redemption due to unplanned development. Wherever we can do something, we should try to preserve Goemkarponn," he said.
Earlier, Water Resources Minister and Siolim MLA Vinoda Paliencar said there was a spurt in multi-storied constructions in Anjuna, which put pressure on basic infrastructure.
"The issue of scarcity of water becomes very acute in summer, particularly in April and May. We have seen people in the village get agitated due to lack of water and at times, have also attacked department engineers," Paliencar said.
He said he has appealed to the TCP Minister not to issue construction licences to mega projects in Anjuna at least for the next five years.
