Beach structure targeted, says owner, moves HC

Panaji: The Bombay high court has called for responses from govt in a petition filed by Menino Fernandes of Calangute. He alleged that the state has selectively and arbitrarily chosen to take action against his illegal structure while deliberately ignoring numerous other such structures that continue to exist on the Candolim-Calangute beach stretch (Baga to Sinquerim).He submitted to the HC that he witnessed the gradual degradation of the pristine coastal area due to unchecked commercial exploitation and encroachments.Represented by advocate Rohit Bras de Sa, he said that he filed the petition to expose the double standards of the authorities in taking action against illegal structures, and in the interest of protecting the beaches of Calangute, Candolim and Baga from encroachments.Fernandes alleged a discernible pattern of selective enforcement whereby ouster and eviction are pursued only against those who refuse to pay illegal gratification, while others are permitted to continue their encroachments upon payment of so-called “protection money” to certain officers. He alleged a racket of collecting such protection money from persons who have illegally usurped govt beach land, and that the issuance and non-pursuit of notices are being misused as a lever for extortion in place of bona fide enforcement of the law.

He added that he is seeking to ensure the rule of law is upheld by the authorities and is made equally applicable to all. He is also seeking a joint inspection of the entire Calangute-Candolim beach stretch to identify and document all illegal structures, both temporary and permanent, erected on govt land/public beach, and to submit a comprehensive report to the court. Fernandes has sought disciplinary proceedings against officials and demolition of structures, among other remedies.