The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the mushrooming of unauthorised and illegal constructions and favoured strict action against such constructions, yet, despite this, illegal constructions are increasing in Agonda, Canacona, especially near the beaches.
Speaking to Herald, Agonda Sarpanch Navnita Naik Gaonkar said that most seasonal structures erected on the beach are illegal and others have extended the structures without an NOC from the panchayat. She said that on receiving a complaint from local resident Fernardo Fernandes, the panchayat has started a survey of illegal structures.
“We have already served a show cause notice to the owners of five structures, who have allegedly started business without proper documentation at Agonda beach and their electricity connection will be disconnected soon,” she said.
The Electricity Executive Engineer Santosh Lolienkar, has directed the Canacona Assistant Engineer to carry out site inspection of illegal electricity connections taken by some illegal shacks and huts owners on Agonda beach. Agonda Electricity Office Junior Engineer Sanjay said that by Thursday they will disconnect the allegedly illegal connections and have already received a notice from the Executive Engineer.
Former Sarpanch Pramod Fal Desai said, “Such activities are required to be dealt with by a firm hand. Otherwise builders will continue to build or construct beyond the sanctioned and approved plans, which is a loss to the panchayat in terms of revenue.”
Speaking to Herald, Canacona Deputy Collector Kedar Naik said they have received two complaints from Agonda residents alleging illegal structures and he has directed the Canacona Mamlatdar and concerned Talathi to prepare a report immediately. He added that complaints have been received from fishermen of illegal structures at Agonda beach. Once he receives the report from the Mamaltdar and Talathi, he will take action on illegal structures and illegal electricity connections, after getting approval from GCZMA, Naik said. He added that he will not hesitate to take action on structures at Agonda, if the owner fails to produce documents.
Speaking to Herald, Fernardo Fernandes said, “Rules, regulations and bye-laws are made by the Panchayat or by development authorities taking in view the larger public interest. Despite of written compaints, Agonda Panchayat secretary failed to take action.”
Fal Desai has requested the authorities to take immediate action against such illegal constructions, shacks and tents on Agonda beach and asked the concerned authorities to find out how they get electricity connections without proper documentation.
Agonda resident Ajay Gaonkar said that most of the temporary shacks, huts and restaurants at Agonda beach are in close proximity to each other and also to residential houses. Nearly 30 percent of these structures do not have fire extinguishers and as such not only the seasonal structures but also residential houses in the vicinity are at risk in the event of a fire.
Canacona Fire Officer Mahadev Lolienkar said that fire extinguishers and fire equipment are compulsory for seasonal and permanent structures and without it NOC is not issued. He said that places of trade that involve the risk of fire should obtain a NOC to that effect from the Fire and Emergency Services Department.
Notice has also been served against alleged illegal structures to Agonda panch Abel Borges. When contacted Borges said his structures are legal and he will produce the required documents at the time action if any.
