17 structures to face axe along Colva coastline

MARGAO, SEPT 27
The hammer will once again fall on the structures standing within the CRZ zone along the Colva coast as the Panchayat body has cleared demolition of around 16-17 structures along the belt.
Structures of the Tourism department, including stalls put up near the creek, however, have got a respite with the Panchayat body deciding otherwise after Tourism officials submitted documents to prove they were built in the 80’s.
Sources in the know said the 16-17 structures okayed for demolition have been served demolition notices by the Panchayat body. If the Panchayat secretary Allaudin is to be believed, most of the structures listed for demolition are extensions to the existing houses, adding that the owners have voluntarily removed the structures after receiving the notices. “We have information that many of the owners have removed the structures before the panchayat could start the demolition drive. There are no major structures, but only extensions to the existing structures that will go during the demolition exercise”, he said.
The Director of Panchayats had a month ago remanded around 41 cases back to the Colva Panchayat for hearing and decision. These parties had obtained stays from the Director of Panchayats to the demolition exercise planed by the Colva Panchayat as per the directions of the high court.
After providing personal hearing opportunities to the aggrieved parties, the Panchayat placed the matter before the body meeting, wherein only 16-17 structures were okayed for demolition, while the remaining 20-odd structures, including structures put up by the Tourism department, getting a lease of life.