The Calangute Congress block committee has called on the Goa government to reconsider the tourism department's ongoing demolition drive at Calangute, stating that it will adversely affect the traditional fishing community.
Demolition of Structures
The tourism department demolished 21 structures on the beach in Khobravaddo earlier this week, claiming they encroached on government-owned land. Similar demolitions occurred last month in Sauntawaddo. The drive is set to continue to clear all such illegal structures.
Concerns for Fisherfolk
Calangute Congress block committee president Lourenco Silveira emphasized that most of the demolished structures were small huts used by the fishing community to store boats and equipment. “The fishing community has been on the beach long before tourism existed in Goa. The government should consider their interests, as their livelihoods are at stake. How can they take their boats to their homes after fishing?” he questioned.
Silveira urged the government to find a balanced approach that protects both tourism development and the traditional rights of the fishing community.
