High Court orders violated; move leaves environmentalists, activists fuming
The controversial beachside club ‘Romeo Lane’ has allegedly reconstructed a wooden structure jutting into the sea.
MAPUSA
In a move that has left environmentalists and local activists fuming, the controversial beachside club ‘Romeo Lane’, located along the picturesque Anjuna beach, has once again allegedly constructed an unauthorised wooden structure extending into the sea.
This comes barely three months after the club, under pressure from legal authorities and public outrage, voluntarily demolished a similar illegal structure. The new construction is not just a physical violation; it’s a symbolic act of defiance that highlights systemic failures in protecting Goa’s fragile coastal ecosystems.
Pattern of defiance
Romeo Lane’s troubles are not new. For years, the club has been embroiled in legal battles and controversies over violations of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.
On July 30, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) directed the club to dismantle multiple unauthorised constructions, including permanent steps and upper deck extensions.
The High Court reinforced this directive, ordering the demolition and instructing the GCZMA and the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) to create a restoration plan for the damaged coastal ecosystem.
The case regarding the submission of the compliance report on restoration plan is scheduled for hearing on December 9.
Yet, instead of compliance, the club’s actions have reflected an alarming persistence in pushing boundaries.
The latest unauthorised structure, built on land belonging to the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), is a glaring violation of CRZ norms and environmental guidelines.
The site falls within a designated no-development zone, making the act not just illegal but ecologically damaging.
System fails again
The controversial club’s actions are as much an indictment of the regulatory system as they are of the club itself.
A local activist lodged a complaint about the new structure with the GSBB, which forwarded it to the CRZ and the CRZ then referred the matter to the Tourism department.
The activist, speaking anonymously, criticised the bureaucratic delays: "Instead of taking swift action against such blatant violations, authorities are passing the buck. It’s a mockery of the judiciary and environmental laws," the activist said.
This failure to enforce the law sends a dangerous message – not just to Romeo Lane but to other establishments along Goa’s coastline.
Environmental, community impact
The environmental stakes are high. Anjuna beach, like much of Goa’s coastline, is an ecologically sensitive area. The construction of unauthorised structures, often using non-compliant materials, disrupts the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems.
Loud music, illegal expansions and encroachments have also drawn the ire of local residents. For the community, Romeo Lane represents more than just environmental degradation – it’s a symbol of disregard for local voices and public spaces.
"This is not just about one structure or one club. If such violations go unchecked, they could set a dangerous precedent for the entire coastline. It’s a battle for the soul of Goa," a local leader remarked.
The road ahead
With a High Court hearing scheduled for December 9, all eyes are on authorities.
Activists and citizens are demanding immediate action to dismantle the illegal structure and hold Romeo Lane accountable.
The case has become a litmus test for the State’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and protecting its natural heritage.
