MAPUSA
Mounting public pressure has prompted the Anjuna village panchayat to issue a stop-work order against an alleged illegal construction on a hill close to the beach in Anjuna, sparking a fresh round of controversy over violations of the coastal regulation zone (CRZ) and misuse of eco-sensitive land.
In a letter addressed to Daniel Lobo, son of Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo, and Sarpanch of Parra, the Anjuna Deputy Sarpanch Smita Khorjuvekar directed an immediate halt to the ongoing work on property bearing Survey No 41/3 of Anjuna village.
The notice followed a formal complaint lodged by Maxi D’Souza and several villagers from Vagator, Anjuna and Chapora, who alleged that the wall construction amounted to “anti-sea protection” and a misuse of the No Development Zone (NDZ) within a heritage coastal landscape.
“In this connection, you are hereby directed to stop the construction work immediately on receipt of this notice. Failing which, further necessary action shall be initiated against the said illegal construction as per law,” the notice stated.
Responding swiftly to the complaints, the panchayat has also scheduled a site inspection on Saturday, October 25, at 4 pm and has called upon the property owner or his authorised representative to remain present with relevant approvals or documents.
The move comes after villagers staged a protest, demanding transparency and questioning how any government agency could permit a retaining wall project in an area so close to the sea.
The site, located within a few metres of the shoreline, falls under the CRZ-III classification, where permanent structures are prohibited.
Meanwhile, sources in the panchayat revealed that no permissions for such construction were issued by the local body, suggesting that the work was being carried out without due approvals.
Activists have also urged the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to intervene and conduct an independent inquiry into the alleged violation.
The controversy has reignited local anger over what residents describe as “selective enforcement” of coastal laws and unchecked hill cutting in Anjuna and Vagator “ areas already under intense development pressure.
