The idyllic beaches of South Goa's Canacona taluka are facing a severe threat from a surge in unlawful commercial activities. Local residents have voiced growing concerns over the proliferation of illegal operations along the coastlines of Palolem and Agonda, which are compromising safety, flouting environmental laws, and disrupting local life.
Spectrum of Illegal Operations on the Coast
The issues are multifaceted and deeply entrenched. The illegal activities reported by the community include unregistered water sports ventures, such as unauthorized dolphin rides, which operate without safety oversight. Furthermore, illegal massage parlours have sprung up, and a significant number of unauthorized shacks are violating Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms. These structures often block public access to the beach.
Adding to the chaos, unlicensed street vendors are conducting business without proper permits, leading to noticeable traffic congestion in these popular tourist spots. In a more alarming development, several of these shacks are allegedly drawing electricity directly from residential power lines, a clear theft of resources and a violation of tourism department regulations that poses serious safety risks.
Authorities Grapple with Enforcement Challenges
Despite numerous complaints from citizens, authorities are finding it difficult to curb these practices. The Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) has issued show-cause notices but faces a significant hurdle in enforcement. Officials struggle to distinguish between completely illegal businesses and those that possess only basic trade licenses, making targeted action complex.
The situation in Agonda highlights the bureaucratic delays. Agonda panchayat secretary Amol Naik Gaonkar confirmed that while most tourism stakeholders have applied for seasonal licenses, many applications—especially from properties on the southern side of Agonda beach that were affected by a sealing drive last season—remain under scrutiny. Only a handful of licenses have been granted so far.
Agonda sarpanch Nilesh Pagi stated, "The Agonda panchayat has issued licenses to about five tourism establishments on the southern side of the beach." Panchayat sources indicate that approximately 75 seasonal licenses are issued annually for various commercial setups along the Agonda coastline.
Subletting and Environmental Damage Compound Problems
Residents point to deeper systemic issues. A local from Palolem explained that shack owners often sublet their structures, and with the landlord's consent, tenants erect additional constructions that further block beach access.
The environmental impact is particularly severe in Galgibaga, a protected turtle nesting site manned by the forest department. Resident Seby Barreto raised a red flag, stating, "Some are expanding structures even though the panchayat has issued licences for only seasonal structures. This is affecting turtle nesting." He further alleged that illegal tents have encroached upon riverbanks and are releasing drainage directly into the Galgibaga river.
Barreto also accused local officials of complicity, claiming, "This issue was discussed recently during a gram sabha meeting, but panchayat officials collude with the owners of these illegal structures and allow such illegalities, depriving the revenue of the panchayat." This alleged collusion suggests that the problem is not merely one of poor enforcement but also of potential governance failures, allowing illegal activities to flourish at the cost of public safety, environmental conservation, and local revenue.
