MAPUSA
Despite the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) issuing closure notices to several establishments for operating without the necessary consent, many popular restaurants and clubs along the North Goa coastal belt continue to function with impunity.
The GSPCB has identified several businesses for running without the mandatory "Consent to Operate," yet enforcement on the ground remains absent.
In the past two months, the GSPCB issued closure notices to 27 establishments located along the North Goa coastal stretch, particularly targeting popular tourist hotspots in Anjuna, Vagator, Chapora, Ozrant, and Siolim.
BUSINESS AS USUAL
Among the businesses served with closure notices are high-profile establishments such as Dream Beach, Disco Valley, and Mango Tree in Vagator; Barfly, The Assa House and Villa 259 in Assagao; and Bob Caper, The Flying Goa, Dynamo and Curlies in Anjuna.
Despite the formal warnings, only two businesses – Raeeth and Ziki – have been closed or sealed. The others continue their operations without any significant interruption.
Curlies, in particular, stands out for its legal entanglements.
This iconic Anjuna establishment was ordered to be demolished by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in June this year over a series of violations.
Despite this, the GSPCB's closure notice appears to have had little effect, with the venue reportedly still operational.
AUTHORITIES LAX?
The GSPCB’s role in this scenario is confined to issuing closure notices, which are sent to the district Collector or Deputy Collector for further action.
The responsibility of ensuring that these establishments are sealed or shuttered rests with local authorities.
The GSPCB also requires that the Collector's office submit a compliance report once the establishments are shut down.
However, these compliance reports are either delayed or non-existent in many cases.
Local residents and environmental activists allege that authorities, including the police, are turning a blind eye, allowing these businesses to continue operating in violation of the law.
“These places are still running their establishments in connivance with the police and other authorities. I have written to the local panchayat and other officials,” stated Desmond D’Costa, a local resident.
ROMEO LANE
MAPUSA: Romeo Lane, a club mired in its own share of controversies, applied for the necessary "Consent to Operate" from the GSPCB.
However, the Board rejected its application after the club failed to produce a Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Despite this rejection, Romeo Lane continues to operate, playing loud music round the clock, much to the dismay of locals.
A GSPCB official, speaking on condition of anonymity, clarified that their task is limited to issuing notices, while the onus of enforcement lies with other authorities.
“It is for the Collector to ensure that these establishments are closed and sealed. We have issued the necessary orders, but beyond that, the execution of these orders is not within our jurisdiction,” the official explained.
QUESTIONS RAISED
With businesses flouting regulations and continuing to operate despite clear violations, questions are being raised about the complicity of local authorities.
For now, despite the GSPCB's efforts, it seems that establishments along North Goa’s coastline are continuing with business as usual, leaving residents and activists frustrated at the lack of meaningful action from authorities.
