Margao, The Cavelossim citizens action committee called upon the government particularly officials of coastal regulatory zone to pay heed to the voice and concern of the people while implementing the law of the land.

Snubbing the rich and the powerful, the CCAC urged officials to take strict action against the high and mighty, who blatantly violate CRZ regulations and indulge in illegalities.
Calling the government “blind” to public demands, advocate Mr. Mike Mehta said that it was disgraceful that a people’s government cannot see the abuse of CRZ law.
Mr. Mehta was speaking at the protest meeting organized by the CCAC against the CRZ violations in Cavelossim.

Stating that laws should serve the purpose of common men, Mr. Mehta observed that the law should not make the rich richer and poor poorer.
In a speech peppered with wit and sarcasm, Mr. Mehta questioned a former chief minister’s credentials vis-à-vis the CRZ violations.
Mr. Mehta wondered what the former chief minister was doing when CRZ regulations were blatantly violated during his term. The politician was now forcibly retired by the electorate, he added.

Speaking further, he opined that the CRZ law was good, but its implementation was faulty.

“Many five-star hotels have come up close to the beach ignoring CRZ guidelines with impunity,” he disclosed and added that the government and officials were blind to the illegalities indulged by these biggies.

“In the name of CRZ, authorities are quick to act against a shack or a dwelling constructed by a nondescript Goan. But when a powerful hotelier does the same, they look the other side,” he said.

Lambasting the rich and the powerful for running roughshod against the will of the people, an emotional Mr. Mehta said: “The corporate world can buy governments. But they will never be able to crush people’s voice.” Mr. Mahesh Naik observed that the sarpanch of Cavelossim was the first citizen of the village, but felt sad that he was indulging in illegalities.
“It’s time to tell the sarpanch, he is unfit and has to go home,” Mr Naik said.
He criticized the government’s lackadaisical attitude towards the public and alerted the gathering to be ready for a battle ahead.
Mr. Kennedy Afonso of the CCAC alleged that the Cavelossim sarpanch was rattled and started issuing threatening calls to its members. He condemned the sarpanch for using the law selectively.
“The sarpanch harasses a small time citizen but spares big time hoteliers,” Mr. Afonso alleged. Earlier, the CCAC president, Mr. Cruz Cardozo welcomed. A few other locals also spoke.
Meanwhile, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority has issued show cause notices to Mr Anthony Gaffino, Cavelossim Sarpanch, Mr. Edwin Barretto and Hotel Holiday Inn for illegalities.

Regional