Villagers protest against alleged sand dunes and vegetation destruction at property
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo engages with local residents at Vagator Beach, explaining his plans for fencing and access development on his property.
Photo Credits: Agnelo Pereira
MAPUSA
Anjuna-Vagator residents have raised concerns over the alleged destruction of sand dunes and vegetation on a sea-facing property belonging to Calangute MLA Michael Lobo.
The villagers have called for the immediate revocation of any licenses that may have been granted for development on the site.
The contested area, located right on Vagator beach, falls within a No Development Zone (NDZ) and is just 44 metres from the High Tide Line (HTL) of the sea. As per regulations, no permanent construction is permitted in this ecologically sensitive zone.
However, deep tyre tracks in the sand and the presence of a JCB at one end of the property suggested that heavy machinery had been used in the area. Stacks of sand and limestone, along with workers at the site, further indicated potential construction activity.
Local resident Ravi Harmalkar expressed his distress, stating that significant damage had already been done to the sand dunes and vegetation. He recalled that the area was historically used by locals for picnics and relaxation while visiting the beach. Additionally, he highlighted the ecological importance of the site, as it was a nesting ground for turtles.
“I urge the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) not to grant any permission for construction here. If any such permissions have already been issued, they should be revoked immediately,” Harmalkar said.
He further pointed out that the property does not have proper access and that even local shack owners had voluntarily refrained from seeking permissions in the area to protect its natural beauty.
Another concerned resident, Parvati Nagvenkar, urged the villagers to take action to prevent the destruction of beaches and coastal land.
“If construction is not permitted near the waterfront, then how was permission granted here? Even if it is for temporary structures, there is always a risk that these will be converted into permanent one,” she said.
She also raised doubts about the materials found on-site, arguing that temporary structures should be made of eco-friendly materials such as bamboo and wood.
Activist Desmond Alvares has lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Secretary, GCZMA and other relevant authorities regarding the illegal flattening of sand dunes and destruction of vegetation.
“Illegal destruction of sand dunes and beach vegetation was observed at Vagator beach using a JCB in Survey No 354/1 of Anjuna village. It is distressing to see the damage caused by none other than the local MLA,” Alvares alleged in his complaint.
He further claimed that around 40 truckloads of material had been removed and dumped near Raeeth Club, Ozrant, Anjuna.
“No commercial activity should be allowed in NDZ areas. We hope immediate action will be taken to stop this destruction and restore the beach’s natural ecosystem,” he added.
On Saturday, a social media call urged residents to gather in protest against the destruction of Vagator beach.
However, only 10 to 15 people turned up at the site on Sunday. Despite the small turnout, locals remain steadfast in their demand for strict action against any unauthorized construction or ecological damage in the area.
