Canacona Grapples with Civic Violations
By Manu Shrivastava
In the idyllic taluka of Canacona, South Goa, 2025 has been marked by a series of civic and legal violations that have disrupted the harmony of its pristine beaches and verdant hinterlands. Known for its serene shores like Palolem and Agonda, Canacona has faced challenges ranging from environmental degradation to public safety concerns and a provocative incident that stirred communal tensions.
As authorities grapple with these issues, the taluka’s residents and visitors are left navigating a landscape where unchecked violations threaten both ecological balance and social cohesion.
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| Canacona needs to strike a balance between development and preservation |
A significant environmental violation came to light in May 2025, when a joint inspection by the Health Department and Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) revealed hotels in Arkar Patnem dumping untreated sewage into the Kepe water body, a vital local resource. The discovery prompted immediate notices to the offending establishments, signaling a renewed push to curb practices that jeopardize public health and the environment. This incident reflects broader concerns in Canacona, where tourism-driven pressures often lead to violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules.
The CMC has been vigilant, continuing its crackdown on illegal constructions in no-development zones, a persistent issue that strains the taluka’s fragile ecosystem and infrastructure. Such environmental infractions highlight the delicate balance Canacona must strike between development and preservation, with authorities under pressure to enforce regulations more stringently.
Traffic violations have also surged in 2025, contributing to chaos on Canacona’s roads. The NH66 stretch from Margao to Polem, a critical artery connecting Goa to Karnataka, has become notorious for reckless driving, with locals reporting frequent overspeeding and dangerous overtaking at blind curves. The absence of highway patrol vehicles, redirected to other areas, has exacerbated the problem, leaving commuters vulnerable.
Residents have voiced frustration over the lack of enforcement, with calls for the reinstatement of patrols to ensure road safety. The understaffed Road Transport Office in South Goa struggles to keep pace, and while exact figures for 2025 are pending, the trend of rising traffic violations has sparked urgent demands for action to prevent accidents and restore order.
Public infrastructure woes have further compounded civic challenges. In May 2025, motorists raised alarms over hazardous road conditions caused by un-restored pipelines, with the Public Works Department (PWD) failing to repair roads after construction work. These neglected roads pose significant risks to commuters, eroding trust in civic administration.
The CMC, already stretched thin, faces the daunting task of addressing such lapses while tackling other violations, underscoring the need for better coordination and resources to maintain Canacona’s infrastructure.
The most alarming incident of 2025 unfolded in May, when two Pakistani flags were found painted on roads in Canacona—one near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue at the KTC bus stand and another at the Chaudi-Pansulem junction. The act, attributed to unidentified individuals, sparked widespread outrage and demands for swift justice. Congress Goa Vice President Sunil Kawthankar called for the culprits to be deported, while a delegation of residents met the local police inspector, urging action against suspected right-wing groups.
Goa Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar filed a formal complaint, and the incident fueled heated discussions on social media, amplifying concerns about communal harmony. The police have launched an investigation, but the episode has left a lingering sense of unease, with locals fearing its impact on Canacona’s reputation as a peaceful destination.
Canacona’s civic and legal violations in 2025 paint a troubling picture of a taluka grappling with the pressures of tourism, inadequate enforcement, and isolated but provocative acts. The CMC’s efforts to curb environmental infractions, coupled with police investigations into the flag-painting incident, demonstrate a commitment to addressing these challenges.
However, the scale of violations—from sewage dumping to hazardous roads and communal provocations—demands sustained action and community vigilance. As Canacona navigates this turbulent year, its residents hope for stronger enforcement and a renewed focus on preserving the taluka’s natural beauty and social harmony, ensuring it remains a cherished haven for all.
(As Canacona navigates this turbulent year, the report, generated following the Lawyers On Wheels programme held in May 2025, stands as a testament to DraftCraft International's commitment to empowering communities through legal advocacy, offering a pathway to restore the zone’s natural beauty and social harmony)
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