MAPUSA
In blatant disregard for legal and environmental mandates, Romeo Lane, a controversial yet popular restaurant and club situated on the scenic Anjuna beach, has allegedly resumed construction activities despite an order of the High Court of Bombay at Goa mandating the demolition of encroaching structures.
The latest developments have sparked outrage among local residents and environmentalists, raising serious concerns about the enforcement of the rule of law in Goa.
DEFYING COURT ORDERS
Romeo Lane, already under the scanner for multiple violations, has recently restarted construction right on the beach, encroaching further onto land owned by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC).
Despite a court order demanding the removal of unauthorised constructions, a new wooden structure has emerged, extending precariously into the sea.
The construction activities, which have been ongoing for more than two weeks, have left the local community and activists astounded by the apparent disregard for the judiciary's authority.
Local resident Nilesh Phadte has taken the lead in voicing concerns, filing a formal complaint with various state authorities, including the Tourism Department, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), and the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB).
Phadte’s complaint, which calls for immediate action within 48 hours, highlights the authorities’ failure to enforce the court’s orders and accuses them of contempt for allowing the illegal construction to proceed unchecked.
JOINT INSPECTION
In response to the growing outcry, sources indicate that authorities concerned have finally taken cognisance of the issue. A joint inspection by the Tourism Department, GCZMA, and GSBB is reportedly scheduled for Tuesday.
However, the timing of the inspection has raised suspicions, as local sources reveal that the proponents of Romeo Lane have already begun dismantling the wooden structure, anticipating imminent action from authorities.
HISTORY OF VIOLATIONS
This is not the first time Romeo Lane has been embroiled in controversy.
Just a month ago, the GCZMA issued a directive on July 30, ordering the club to demolish multiple unauthorised constructions within its premises.
The violations included the construction of permanent steps leading from the ground to the upper deck, exceeding the permissions granted under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.
Originally, Romeo Lane was permitted to erect only temporary structures using permissible materials. However, the club was found to have used non-compliant materials, further intensifying concerns about environmental damage in this ecologically sensitive area.
Situated within the no-development zone along the Anjuna coast, Romeo Lane is a hotspot for elite Indian tourists but has frequently drawn criticism for its impact on the local environment and community.
The club’s loud music and unauthorised expansions have long been a sore point for locals and environmental watchdogs.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION EFFORTS
In addition to ordering the demolition of illegal structures, the High Court also directed the GCZMA and the Goa State Biodiversity Board to formulate a comprehensive restoration plan for the affected areas.
The court’s decision came in the wake of significant environmental damage caused by Romeo Lane’s unauthorised activities.
The restoration plan is intended to rehabilitate the coastal ecosystem, which has suffered due to the ongoing encroachments.
The ongoing saga of Romeo Lane underscores a broader issue of law enforcement and environmental protection in Goa.
As the authorities prepare for their joint inspection, the local community and environmentalists remain vigilant, questioning whether justice will finally be served, or if the powerful proponents behind Romeo Lane will continue to flout the law with impunity.
