Staff Reporter
Pernem
Cracking down on violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms, the Arambol panchayat on Wednesday began demolishing alleged illegal structures at Girkarwada, Arambol. Using earth-moving machinery, 14 structures of the total 15 were brought down on the first day in the presence of Pernem Joint Mamlatdar Rane, the Pernem Block Development Officer, and the Arambol panchayat team, including Panchayat Secretary Subhash Kambli.
A heavy police presence was deployed to prevent any law and order issues.
Notices had been issued to the owners before the
action.
A similar demolition drive was carried out in September 2024, during which around 15 illegal structures were
razed.
Authorities have identified a total of 216 structures at Girkarwada that were built in violation of CRZ regulations and are operating without permissions from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA).
Meanwhile, residents, primarily traditional fishermen, along with the local MLA, had met the Chief Minister and Environment Minister to voice their concerns over the demolitions, fearing the loss of their homes.
