21 illegal structures razed at Calangute beach

Panaji: Continuing its drive against illegal coastal structures, the tourism department demolished 21 encroachments at Khobrawaddo in Calangute over two days, clearing more than 5,400 sq m along the popular beach stretch.The action was carried out jointly with revenue department officials as part of an ongoing high court-monitored process linked to a writ petition.Deputy director of tourism Dhiraj Wagle said the drive follows earlier demolition work at Sauntawaddo on May 6 and 7, where 17 structures were removed. In the latest phase at Khobrawaddo, 11 structures were demolished on Tuesday and the remaining on Wednesday.He said the encroachments, spread across the CRZ area, varied in size and were constructed by hotels, restaurants and beach resorts.“This demolition is in continuation of the earlier drive. These are all encroachments in the beach and CRZ area,” Wagle said.The demolition drive began on Tuesday morning and continued till Wednesday evening, with officials from the electricity department, Goa police, Bardez mamlatdar’s office and other agencies assisting the operation.Wagle said the tourism department will next focus on illegal structures in Umta Vaddo, Calangute, and that similar enforcement actions will continue. “It will be ongoing and every month there will be some action being taken,” he said.Officials said beaches fall under the jurisdiction of the tourism department, which is responsible for clearing all encroachments from coastal and CRZ areas as directed by the court.