MARGAO
The All Goa Toddy Tappers Association has urged the government to allow toddy tappers living along the coastal belt to extend their homes with ground-plus-one structures to accommodate growing families.
In a representation to the State government and the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority, Association President Francisco Fernandes also sought permission for tappers to build one or two additional structures to run small alternative businesses.
The Association demanded exemption from CRZ rules and inclusion of toddy tappers in the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) for Goa. It said most tappers belong to economically backward sections, with many owning small plots or living as mundkars.
Stating that nearly 95 per cent reside along the coast due to their occupation, the Association said low income from toddy tapping makes it difficult to support families or purchase new land, leaving livelihoods under strain.
