Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh assured protection for homes of traditional fishermen, toddy tappers and those existing before 1991 in CRZ areas of Goa. "However, commercial properties violating rules will have to go," he said.

Coastal organisations have demanded that regularisation of structures within the CRZ zone should only apply to residential houses and work-sheds and not to hotels and other commercial establishments.

Citizens, especially those from the coastal belt are urged to take part in the public consultation  “Fisher Folk and Community on Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification” on August 30. The Union Minister of State for environment and forests Mr Jairam Ramesh will attend the meet.

Most coastal village panchayats and municipal councils have issued demolition notices to violators after identifying and verifying "illegal" structures in the Coastal Regulations Zone, sources said.