Mandrem locals claim wooden bridge hindering livelihood

Mandrem locals claim wooden bridge hindering livelihood
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JUNE 9
A wooden bridge constructed across river by a foreigner has become a bone of contention for Mandrem villagers, who despite approaching the authorities have not managed to save their livelihood.
Rahul Prazeres, a Mandrem resident, who had approached the High Court against the wooden structure built across the river, said that the authorities including Coastal Management Zone Authority (CMZA) have been petitioned but nothing has been done about the structure yet.
Chris, a UK national, has constructed the bridge, which according to Prazeres is hindering the livelihood of the locals by blocking the river.
“We had approached Coastal Zone Management Authority with a plea to demolish the illegal structure constructed by Chris across the river and also the wooden bridge,” he said.
CZMA in its order dated March 19, 2010, had directed to demolish the illegal structure. But when it came to the bridge, the authority expressed its reservation.
“As far as the wooden bridge is concerned it was noted by the CZMA that such wooden bamboo footbridge have been put up by people in that area for accessing the beach over the rivulet and they connect the mainland to the beach hence this is a permissible activity,” reads CZMA order.
Prazeres said that although the bridge is useful to connect both banks of the river, the fact remains that it is hindering the activity of locals in this river.
He said that CZMA despite passing the order has failed to demolish the illegal structure on the other side of the bank. Prazares said that authorities have turned a blind eye to these illegalities.
Prazares said that the foreigner has moved the High Court against CZMA order and it will come for hearing on June 10.
Meanwhile, Mandrem Village Panchayat has said that no permission for the construction of this structure was issued to Chris. As per the information provided under Right to Information Act, the panchayat has said that they have not even issued NOC for water and electricity connection for this structure.