A Directorate of Tourism team is back in Agonda village to conduct a survey to demarcate the beach from private properties, as reportedly sought by the high court in a writ petition of 2007.
Armed with two policemen, four surveyors were seen working at Agonda coastline from Saturday with surveying kits and gadgets.
A source informed that some residents after learning about their presence reportedly confirmed from accompanying policemen about their bonafides and according allowed to carry-on with the survey works.
Moreover, another source informed that the present 4-member surveyor team is equipped with proper identities and a work order to carry out the survey work. However, anticipating people’s objections, it is reportedly learnt that police protection is given to the surveying team.
It may be recalled that some CRZ weary villagers in March had handed over seven persons to the police for allegedly meddling in their properties on Agonda coast alleging they are strangers without any identifications and or authorizations. Residents have also alleged that the seven member group has minors working with them.
Due to people’s opposition for allowing strangers interfering in their properties, the police had than asked the Surveying contractor (M/s Theovel Surveys, having its office at Bangalore) officials to depute surveyors with proper order and identifications.
Following a high court order directing authorities to demarcate beach property from private properties, the tourism department has entrusted the work of demarcation to Director of Settlement and Land Survey Records in September 2008. DSLSR then awarded the surveying contract to M/s Theovel Surveys from Bangalore.
It is reportedly learnt that similar surveys are already carried out at some other coastal areas in Canacona taluka and elsewhere in the State.
Courtesy: Herald
