MAPUSA
Crying foul against beautification work carried out by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) on the Anjuna beach, some villagers have said the work was being carried out allegedly to help some corporates.
“In name of beautification, destruction is happening here. GTDC has leased this property to some Corporates. We don’t know if the government is doing this work for the benefit of the people or for selfish interest. But the destruction of the beach should be stopped,” said Yogesh Govekar alias Mogambo, a local resident.
Another local, Ravi Harmlakar said that the work of building a retaining wall ostensibly to prevent beach erosion was not being executed properly and the government was wasting public money.
“Similar works on other beaches have shown that such retaining walls get washed away and public money goes down the drain,” Harmalkar said.
However, a notification board at the site shows that GTDC is carrying out the upgradation and beautification of Anjuna beach.
The board also clearly lists out licence numbers obtained from Town Planning, Anjuna panchayat and CRZ to carry out the work.
Obliging to public sentiments, local MLA Delilah Lobo on Tuesday inspected the site to get firsthand information of the ongoing work at the site.
“A few villagers are upset. But I have come here to learn the facts. I have heard the villagers’ side. Now, I have to listen from the government side. I don’t want to make any statement without knowing all the facts,” Lobo told The Goan.
GTDC officials were also present for the inspection.
Meanwhile, some locals have threatened not to allow the work to go on the beach from Wednesday.
