The Bogmalo beach is one of Goa’s best kept slices of beauty. And to many locals and some regular domestic tourists, it is also a bit of a closely guarded secret. But what is no longer a secret is that the National Green Tribunal is looking closely to see if the famous shacks, restaurants and hotels on Bogmalo beach violate Coastal Regulation Zone Rules and should be demolished, as Herald has reported. After Herald reported on the notices sent by NGT to 8 restaurants and guest houses and a five start hotel on Bogmalo beach, within the Chicolna- Bogmalo panchayat, in response to a complaint by one Fatima D’Cruz, the atmosphere in the village has become tense. “We don’t know what would be the fate of the locals doing business as most of us are not aware of laws and rules but we are aware that we were existing and our structures were existing since the 1980s,” said a disappointed shack owner to Herald under the condition of anonymity. “We had no clue that we would be running from pillar to post leaving our business shut in order to find some good lawyers who can represent our case before NGT, Pune bench. No one had imagined this day at all,” said another restaurant owner at Bogmalo. According to locals, the village of Bogmalo has, altogether 30 restaurants, out of which some are world famous and are thus visited by celebrities and sports personalities. Also large numbers of people from the village are dependent on these businesses for their daily bread. An adverse NGT order can affect more establishments which are not the subject of this petition.
