Team Herald
VASCO: The Mormugao Vasco Citizens Forum (MVCF) Tuesday raised strong objection to the concrete construction work taken up by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) at Baina beach as part of Baina beautification project.
Addressing a press conference in Vasco, MVCF members claimed that they have no objections to beautifying Baina beach, however, the same should be not be done at the cost of destruction of the beach. They said that in garb of beach beautification, the GTDC appointed contractor has constructed concrete structures on the beach and in the ‘No Development Zone’ which is a clear violation of CRZ notification 2011.
Recalling that in 2006, GCZMA had demolished structures erected as a part of Baina beautification project, by the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA), the forum questioned as to how another government agency was allowed to erect concrete structures on the beach, which has been witnessing heavy sand erosion.
“First of all, we would like to clarify that we are not against the Baina beach beautification project and let the same be carried out by maintaining 100 meters distance from the sea or along the abandoned four lane highway road at Baina beach. Secondly, we are surprised with the way the government has been taking two different stands as in the year 2006 it was the same GCZMA that demolished shop like structures constructed on the beach and now GCZMA is silently allowing the concrete construction on the beach in the name of beautification, which we strongly object as the same is clear violation of CRZ,” said MVCF President Andrew Alvares.
Informing that the Forum has already written to the Mormugao Planning and Development Authority (MPDA), as well as to GCZMA, Alvares warned of legal action if the Forum does not receive a positive reply.
He said that the beach has been witnessing massive sand erosion and government would be wasting public money by taking up such concrete project.
MVCF General Secretary Elvino Araujo said, “We want sustainable development and not destruction. Baina beach has been witnessing severe sand erosion in recent times, therefore, there is a high probability that concrete structures built on the beach would also be washed away.”
