Tourism dept razes 17 illegal structures at Baga-Calangute

Calangute/Panaji: Continuing its crackdown against illegal structures along the coastline, the tourism department demolished the 11 remaining unauthorised structures on the beach at Baga on Wednesday.The demolition follows a survey of all illegal structures along the Baga-Calangute beach stretch along Tito’s Lane leading up to the popular nightclub Mambos at Baga’s Saunta Vaddo.“Six were demolished on Tuesday including one illegal beach shack. The remaining 11 structures were demolished on Wednesday including extensions by restaurants and six shops,” said deputy director of tourism Dhiraj Wagle.This list of 17 encroachments were not challenged by any individual though the department sent notices to the commercial entities. “The full process was completed with notices sent in January and the high court is monitoring the process,” said Wagle.The demolition was carried out under police protection. Wagle said the survey of illegal structures along the coastline was carried out on the instructions of the Bombay high court.“I want to give a message to all the people who think that they can encroach on beaches, that they can’t do this and when that happens, the tourism department will come and it will result in demolitions,” said Wagle.