Goa tourism dept removes 7 illegal structures at Rajbag beach

Panaji: The tourism department demolished seven illegal structures at Rajbag beach in Canacona on Wednesday. Department officials said that these structures, built without the necessary permissions, not only posed an environmental hazard but also disrupted the beach's natural landscape.

The tourism department’s enforcement team, in coordination with local authorities, carried out the demolition as part of a broader, ongoing campaign to curb unauthorised developments along Goa’s coastline. “Our aim is to ensure that Goa’s beaches remain a beautiful, safe, and sustainable environment for both tourists and locals. We will continue to monitor and take necessary actions against any activities that compromise the ecological balance and legal guidelines set for our coastal regions,” said Suneel Anchipaka, tourism director.

The deputy director of tourism led the enforcement team for the demolition. Anchipaka appealed to the public and tourism stakeholders to support efforts in promoting responsible tourism and keeping Goa’s beaches free of unauthorised structures. The department said that clean, law-abiding zones will reflect the state’s natural charm and hospitality.

A week ago, 52 unauthorised structures on a private property at Patnem beach were demolished. It was conducted based on a complaint lodged in 2022 regarding 40 rooms and 12 other structures which were illegal.

In March, the Goa bench of the Bombay high court directed the state tourism department to pull down illegal constructions and businesses operating along the Calangute beach stretch.

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