MARGAO: Alleging that the latest Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) amendments of CRZ notification 2019 will completely destroy Goa’s economy and natural resources for corny capitalist, Congress spokesperson Olencio Simoes slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at State and centre. He also warned of agitation.
Amendments in CRZ notifications will also allow the permanent shacks structure on the beaches, besides removing sand bars.
Addressing the media he said that the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has further amended the notification on November 1, 2021, which will have a devastating impact on the coastal states of Goa, and of India and fragile and eco-sensitive coasts.
“With a sole intention to make Goa a coal destination firstly they have planned to destroy our world heritage UNESCO sites at Mollem and Old Goa and now through the latest CRZ amendments of CRZ notification 2019 will allow extractive industries like Oil, Gas and Hydrocarbon Exploration venture in the Mangroves, Swamps and also the coastal fishing grounds which will invariably affect the livelihoods of the coastal community,” said Simoes.
Simoes claimed thousands of people of Goa had opposed the dilution of the CRZ but still this brutal crony government forced the new CRZ notification 2019 on Goans by diluting the No Development Zone from 200 meters to 50 meters.
“The amendments will allow them to seal the entire area at the beach if they want to survey in order to search for oil mining. Further they will abandon the area if they find no oil. So, what will happen to the fishing community, tourism and water sports lobby? It is clear indications that the Goa government wants to destroy Goa and the fishing community,” charged Olencio.
He further informed that another amendment to the CRZ has allowed the seasonable structures like shacks to be a permanent one.
He said the CRZ notification 2019 is challenged in the High Court, and this has been opposed not only in Goa but also in the other States. “However, the government is trying to impose unwanted things with the help of implementing new amendments to the CRZ notification,” said Simoes.
Stating that this amendment is clearly against the wishes of people of Goa, Olencio said Congress party will oppose it and will call for an agitation in coming days.
