Delhi Party Issues Public Notice in Colva Fishermen Access Dispute
In the ongoing controversy regarding fishermen's access rights in Colva, Goa, a public notice issued on behalf of a Delhi-based party has categorically denied allegations that their property has been used as an access route by the fishing community. The notice, served through advocate Seoula Vaz, asserts that official records confirm no fishermen have ever utilized the land for this purpose.
Claims of False Allegations and Historical Context
The party stated that false claims have been circulated suggesting an established access route existed through their property. "There is no evidence whatsoever that fishermen used this land as access," the notice emphasized, referencing documented records. However, in a move described as promoting peace and harmony, the party has proposed a temporary solution.
They have offered to permit restricted, temporary access to the neighboring property, contingent upon mutual understanding and reciprocation. This arrangement would remain in effect until the completion of a proposed road from the northern side of the area.
Property Details and Development Plans
The land in question, identified under Survey Numbers 77/1-K and 77/1-K-1 in Colva, was purchased by a group of friends with the intention of constructing residential villas. The public notice clarified that all necessary permissions have been duly obtained from relevant authorities, including the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), the Town and Country Planning Department (TCP), and the Colva Village Panchayat.
Past Courtesy and Current Disputes
The notice revealed that the party had previously allowed temporary access as a gesture of courtesy and cooperation. This was specifically granted at the request of the legal owner, Maria Imaculada Olga Duarte e Vaz, to facilitate the movement of her authorized personnel and materials through the property.
"However, taking advantage of this gesture of goodwill, a third party claiming access is unfounded and unfair," Advocate Seoula Vaz stated in the notice. She further clarified that Olga is neither a resident of Colva nor a member of the local fishing community, distancing the original permission from the current access claims by fishermen.
The dispute highlights tensions between property development rights and traditional community access in coastal Goa, with the Delhi party maintaining their legal stance while attempting a temporary compromise to avoid further conflict.
