The residents of Sirdao have unanimously decided to oppose the wall constructed on the beachfront, which obstructs the view of the sea. They have also demanded for stringent actions from the tourism department against those responsible and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
On Monday, the Sarpanch of Sirdao panchayat, accompanied by locals, conducted an inspection of the controversial wall. The villagers allege that both the sarpanch and the deputy sarpanch have assured an NOC (No Objection Certificate) for the wall’s construction, a move they believe indicates leniency towards the owners rather than enforcing strict measures.
Villagers expressed their frustration over the absence of the wall’s owners during the inspection and criticized the panchayat for not involving them in discussions about the village’s issues. “We are fishermen, and we understand the challenges we face today. First, they targeted the Bambolim area, making it difficult for us to do business, and now our village is at risk. This village is all we have. If we remain silent, outsiders will start to dominate us,” a local fisherman said.
He also highlighted parking issues, explaining that if the wall is permitted, it will exacerbate the already limited parking space, leading to severe traffic congestion as people park on the roads.
The villagers were adamant that no illegal constructions should be allowed in the future and have urged the Sarpanch not to issue any NOCs for activities that could ruin the village’s serene beauty. Their demands reflect a deep concern for preserving the village’s environment and maintaining their way of life.
