OLD GOA
Residents in Siridao asked for the walls on Siridao beachfront to be knocked down so that everyone can see the beach clearly.
This request came during a check of the beach’s makeover by GTDC, which locals didn’t like. Representatives from GTDC, Siridao panchayat, and many locals were at the check.
Locals had already told the panchayat and other groups they didn’t want walls on the beachfront, especially two they thought were for private use.
They also wanted two iron poles taken out, worried a gate might be put there and block people. During the check, they saw the poles were gone. But locals said GTDC did the work illegally because they didn’t ask the panchayat first.
“Though the panchayat has given them an in-principle nod for the beautification work, the GTDC failed to take permission from the panchayat before commencing the work,” the villagers alleged.
Further, the villagers pointed out that the walls, despite not being part of the plan, have been built which in itself is a violation.
They demanded that all walls built have to be razed and the area used only as a parking facility, while no shops should be built.
The locals further said that the beachfront is frequented by tourists and locals alike, and if walls are built here then the beauty of the place will be lost.
“We won’t allow that to happen and we will continue to fight till the walls are brought down,” the locals vowed.
Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Siridao Sarpanch Suwarna Cuncolienkar informed that the panchayat will inform the GTDC about the objections raised by the villagers and wait for their reply.
“As and when we receive the reply, we will inform the villagers,” Cuncolienkar informed while adding that, if need be, a special meeting will be convened to discuss the issue.
Panchayat authorities informed that the issue would be first discussed at the fortnightly meeting and notice will be issued to GTDC for its say on the objections raised by the villagers.
Earlier, Siridao Panchayat Secretary Oswyn Mascarenhas along with the panchayat staff conducted the panchanama.
Was not informed about beachfront beautification: MLA
OLD GOA: St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar informed that he was neither informed nor aware of the beautification work undertaken at the Siridao beachfront.
When questioned by reporters during the inspection, Borkar informed that he came to know about the development only after the villagers brought it to his notice.
