VASCO
Bogmalo Panchayat body on Monday morning demolished a structure along the beachside for alleged violation of CRZ norms.
The person managing the shack has, however, claimed the structure was existing along the beachside for the last 35 years and sought to know why other shacks along the beachside were not demolished.
The panchayat carried out the demolition of the shack early Monday morning, even as the shack operator, Manoj Tari, confronted the squad and even said the matter was sub-judice.
Bogmalo Panch Sankalp Mahale told reporters that many locals and tourists had complained about the shack and hence, the action was taken by the panchayat.
"This structure on Bogmalo Beach was present for many years and was built in the CRZ area. We had repeatedly warned the person managing the structure. Finally, we took necessary action today. This is the only structure that is illegal at the site," said Mahale.
However, Tari said he had taken over the structure a few years ago and maintained that the structure had existed for over 35 years at Bogmalo Beach.
"My shack was demolished early morning and the panchayat claims it is illegal. Am I the only person with a shack here and is the CRZ norm applicable only to me?”
“The panchayat squad did not have the order in hand and the panchayat claims the order has been issued to the owner, who says he has received nothing. They are telling me to get a stay on their order, but I have no clue about the order,” said Tari.
"I told them the matter is in court and is sub-judice, but they claimed to have had no information. Why is the panchayat targetting me alone and why were other shacks not touched by the panchayat? A structure lasting here for 35 years suddenly becomes illegal for the panchayat body, leaving a Goan out of business amid this pandemic," complained Tari.
