It’s all happening in coastal Anjuna. Romeo Lane, a restaurant which was in the eye of a storm over alleged illegalities and in the process of extending the structures bringing them closer to the sea, has, in a swift move demolished the ongoing extension ahead of an inspection by the tourism department and environmental authorities. And voila, there is no trace of the illegality that was, until a few days ago, taking shape in stealth mode.
Dozens of illegal structures in the coastal north are still standing tall despite court orders. A commercial project in Saligao awaits demolition three years after a demolition order. Lest we forget, the High Court in January this year had ordered the razing of 38 structures built in No Development Zone and asked for the sealing of another 175 illegal structures. As of now, many of those sealed premises are doing brisk business. Structures and even pucca multi-level buildings have come up without any hassles. The illegal structures mushrooming in tourism-fertile Anjuna are testimony to the lawlessness in the area.
If Anjuna is notorious for illegal constructions, it is also famous for nightlife and sound violations. Over a hundred people launched candlelight protests, and night vigils and sang songs to highlight the rampant noise pollution that has been ignored by authorities despite being repeatedly censured by the High Court. Ironically, after a brief lull, the noise has resurfaced and the men in khaki have once again turned a deaf ear to complaints.
It has been a never-ending saga. The pollution board bosses maintain that departments are not cooperating on crackdown, but have not made a statement to the court. The High Court’s observations have been pointed to the extent that it has minced no words in stating that enforcement is lacking. The Director General of Police, local police and Panchayat authorities have been repeatedly pulled up for failing to act. Nothing has worked, not even the court’s strictures.
Anjuna has been a classic case of lawlessness not only because of the scale of illegalities but also because authorities have found their reason to look the other way. The police fear the impact of crackdown on tourism, and the panchayat secretary seems more worried over a crackdown on illegal businesses and structures. It’s been a never-ending vicious circle that has left the onlooker common man bemused and lost.
Another aspect that cannot be segregated from this vicious circle is the money that is doing the rounds. None of these illegalities are possible without the churn of money. In this case, big money. ‘Paisa bolta hai’ so goes a familiar Hindi line, a slogan that fits snuggly to the Anjuna narrative. Whether it is structures or noise, in the guise of tourism, illegalities got the cushion and the cover that was sought.
So what are the options before the common man? Almost nothing, unless people come on the streets day in and day out, and make their voices heard. The need of the hour is sustained agitations, not the occasional silent marches.
