The popular Agonda beach known for its Olive Ridley turtlenesting site, may soon say good bye to the endangered species if the pace ofillegal structures go unchecked.
Environmentalists have alleged gross violations of norms bythe village panchayat in legalizing structures mushrooming along the coast.
“With growing number of illegal structures, Agonda beach maynot be safe for turtles anymore. Moreover bright lights in temporary structuresmay compel them to shy away from the beach,’’ said Krishnanand Naik Gaonkar,former panch of the Agonda village panchayat.
The situation along other areas of Canacona is no different.Illegalities abound with little or no respect shown to the law of the land,while authorities supposed to keep a check on such misdemeanors are allegedlyturning a blind eye.
“From 2010 onward the panchayat has legalized around 175structures within the CRZ limit. Even structures on Communidade land in Agondahave been regularized without obtaining proper documents grossly violating allrules and regulation,’’ Gaonkar said.
The issue has been brought to the notice of the Directorateof Panchayat. The director has beeninformed about the violation of the Bombay High Court verdict on structures inthe CRZ limit.
According to environmentalist, Sapnesh Dessai severalstructures issued temporary permits during the last tourist season continue tostand in its place on Agonda beach.
In addition, house repair licenses were issued to structuresin the CRZ area.
“In some areas licenses were issued to houses and structureswhich never existed by accepting illegal gratification,” Gaonkar said.
More than 62 new house numbers were allotted in CRZ areaswithin 0 to 200 meters of high tide line (HTL), which is also known as nodevelopment zone, by overruling thecourt order by saying that the “houses were built before 1991”, Gonkar said.
“Quite many commercial constructions are underway in thecoastal areas,” said another Agonda panch, Navneeta Naik Gaonkar.
“The process of sending notices to the owner of the seasonalstalls, tents and shacks is going on,” said Dajula Pagui, Agonda Sarpanch.
According to Ramesh Gauns, Assistant conservator of forest,turtles have been avoiding Agonda beach compared to previous years.
