MORJIM: The Morjim villagers on Monday firmly opposed the proposed beach beautification project by the government at Tembawaddo. The villagers said the proposed project will in no way benefit them and demanded that it be scrapped immediately.
“Instead of introducing this ‘useless project,’ the government should focus on addressing pressing issues such as water crisis and poor road conditions in the village,” thundered irate villagers.
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The villagers organized a symbolic protest at Morjim beach, where panchayat members were also present. Albert Fernandes, a local resident highlighted the significance of preserving sand dunes for the village safety and emphasized on the legal rights of fishermen to maintain huts on the beachfront. He questioned the government’s unilateral approach, lacking consultation with the villagers and local authorities. He said, “Fishermen were living here for decades. The court too has given protection to the fishermen’s huts which the government had no right touch. The sand dunes protect the coastal ecology from Tsunamis and the authorities have no locus standii to destroy them.”
Mayur Shetgaonkar, a farmer from Morjim, emphasized the negligible benefits of the proposed project, attributing its approval to vested interests rather than community welfare. He stressed the adverse impact on local businesses and tourism, advocating for solutions to the village’s pressing water and road infrastructure needs.
“In March 2024, a tender has been floated for beautification and provision of basic amenities of Morjim promenade. There is no promenade at Morjim. Hence the tender has been floated on a false basis. The Rs 8.5 crore project includes a garden, parking and concretisation. Locals don’t need parking or a garden. If the government makes a road, then Russians and Delhi-ites who have purchased properties here will apply for conversion of land and hotels will come up in the NDZ,” said Shetgaonkar.
Captain Gerald voiced concerns over the government’s disregard for traditional livelihoods, asserting that tourism should not supersede traditional occupations. He underscored the importance of coexistence between different economic activities for the village’s sustainable development. He said, “This is a turtle nesting site and has been classified as CRZ I. The turtles are an endangered species in List 1 of the Wild Life Act. The sand dunes are also classified as CRZ I.”
A senior citizen opposed the parking and garden saying it will close access to the beach. He said even the local information centre has employed non local and there is no information on anything for locals.
Panchayat member Vilas Morje emphasized the need for inclusive decision-making, urging the government to engage all relevant stakeholders to address this sensitive issue comprehensively.
