GRE issues deadline to Goa govt over CRZ threat

The Goa CRZ issue is definitely one of the topmost issues likely to dominate the pre-poll scenario in Goa. This was evident when the Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) along with other like minded  coastal organisations served the government with a warning to regularise their houses and establishments existing between 200 metres of the high tide line by the 10th of April for such structures built before their specified date of December 31 2007.

The Chief Minister of Goa Mr Digambar kamat was met by a delegation led by the GRE president Mr Agnelo Rodrigues and general secretary Mr Mathany Saldanha at his residence in the city and urged him to fulfill their demand.

An estimated 8,500 structures await the axe as per the High court directives and needed to be protected according to the petitioners. The Chief Minister expressed his concern on the matter while explaining the options available before the government of Goa and informed that the government has appointed a committee to study the matter.

While the CM pointed out to the role of the panchayats in solving the issue,the panchayats on their part have maintained that in the face of the high court orders they are completely helpless in the current imbroglio.

The delegation urged the government to appeal to the centre to amend the CRZ act to ensure that their homes and establishments are saved. They also demanded that special status be granted to Goa under Article 371 of the constitution of India to prevent the sale of coastal land to foreigners and others who buy land rampantly in Goa.