Recently it was reported in the media that coastal panchayats (including Sernabatim, Vanelim, Colva and Gandaulim in South) are pushing for a CRZ rejig to CRZ-2 to boost local tourism. To my knowledge there are local ministers, specific panchas (ex-expanchas), select OCI’s, land sharks, real estate developers waiting to capitalize on the same. There appears to be specific agents (including specific panchas, ex-panchas) of the latter who seem to be influencing Colva Panchayat decisions for ulterior motives. Not to mention water shortage is a real problem for Colva and it's only going to get worse, with so many approvals (without any infra/carrying capacity checks) given for constructions, swimming pools, etc by a totally un-concerned Colva Panchayat and TCP Ministry.
If we can't manage the current state of "development" how is Colva going to manage even further mega development? We have seen how other areas given CRZ-2 status are now being devastated and polluted in other parts of Goa. I ask that a proper proposal should be put to all people of Colva, who should give majority approval before any decision is taken to change to CRZ-2.
