Ban shacks, huts on Galgibag-Talpona beach stretch: locals

Ban shacks, huts on Galgibag-Talpona beach stretch: locals
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
CANACONA, NOV 18
In a significant development that could have far-reaching repercussions on at least two other coastal beaches, residents of Poinguinim have demanded a complete ban on shacks and huts on Galgibag-Talpona beach stretch.
Besides demanding an immediate stop to illegal guest houses and rooms in residential houses, residents who have formed the ‘Poinguinkarancho Ekvott’ (PE) have also insisted on the removal of the lifeguard watch tower on the beach.
They have also demanded ‘No-Swimming’ and ‘No Nudism’ signboards, as tourism activities are prohibited along the Galgibaga-Talpona beach under the law.                 
According to PE Convener and Galgibaga-Poinguinim Panch Caitano Barretto, the village coast is classified as CRZ-I being a turtle nesting site and is hence eco-sensitive, as per Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority(GCZMA).
Barretto submitted a memorandum to the Gram Sabha of Poinguinim Panchayat, demanding around five resolutions ito be passed in the Gram Sabha on November 21.
The memorandum, signed by nearly 500 people, has asked the panchayat to demolish illegally erected shacks/huts and to prevent any such temporary or permanent structures on the beach.
The memorandum also requests the panchayat not to grant permission to house owners to rent/let houses, rooms to tourists and the installation of ‘no swimming’ and ‘no nudism’ signboards.
Copies of the memorandum are also been forwarded to the union minister for forests & environment, New-Delhi, minister for forests, GCZMA member secretary, director of panchayats, deputy conservator of forests & wildlife, mamlatdar and BDO of Canacona.
“Tourism related activities either in private properties and or on the beach is causing severe damage to the ecology and environment,” said Sanju Pagi, one of the activists.
Barretto complained that the local panchayat has been a silent spectator in the matter, while prominent business advertisement signboards are prominently displayed offering tourist facilities/activities in the area.
Acting on previous complaints of PE, Canacona BDO had twice directed the Poinguinim panchayat secretary to submit the matter before Panchayat body and initiate proper action.
In a recent communique dated November 2, the BDO has called for a compliance report from the panchcyat secretary within 15 days on action taken by panchayat regarding alleged illegal shacks/shades at Galgibaga.
Said a source at the panchayat: “We have already written to the director of tourism not to grant any NOC for seasonal permits along the village coast.”
In two different communiques, the GCZMA had first told the tourism department that “it would be prudent not to allow any sort of tourist-related activity in the area, considering merit of apprehensions raised especially when Galgibaga and surrounding areas is an eco-sensitive zone and is classified as CRZ-I being a turtle nesting site.”
A similar letter was also sent to the sarpanch and secretary of Poinguinim, where the GCZMA had highlighted the apprehension of tourist activities.
The GCZMA had also noted the panchayat’s grant of approval to  set up a golf course at Talpona, when no such permission in the beach belt has been granted by GCZMA.
The GCZMA has specifically asked the Poinguinim panchayat not to proceed any further on the proposed golf course and not to grant approvals for any such project, unless appropriate approvals from authorities concerned are obtained in the matter.