MAPUSA
Acting on directions of the Bombay High Court, the Tourism Department on Tuesday launched a demolition drive against alleged encroachments along the Calangute“Baga beach belt, targeting structures that had extended into restricted coastal areas.
Officials said at least 21 structures “ mostly beachside restaurants “ were identified for action after being found to have encroached upon the beach by extending their premises beyond permissible limits.
The drive follows a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that flagged illegal constructions, environmental degradation and violations within Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas.
Tourism Director Kedar Naik said due process had been followed before initiating the demolitions.
“Show-cause notices were issued to the owners concerned. Only those portions of structures that were found to be encroaching on the beach area are being removed. Some owners have already complied and removed the extensions on their own,” he said.
Officials added that the exercise will continue over the next couple of days until all identified encroachments are cleared. The department has deployed teams on the ground to ensure the action is carried out smoothly and in accordance with court directives.
The High Court, while hearing the PIL, had earlier directed authorities to identify, map and remove illegal structures along coastal stretches and key road corridors.
The order is part of a broader push to enforce CRZ norms and curb unauthorised development along Goa’s heavily frequented beaches.
“The objective is not to target legitimate businesses but to restore compliance and protect the coastline,” an official said, adding that similar drives could be undertaken in other beach belts if violations are found.
