Nightclub ordered to raze illegalities

PANAJI: Goa coastal zone management authority (GCZMA) has directed owners of a waterfront night club at Vaddy, Siolim, to demolish all illegal structures and restore the site to its original condition.
The coastal authority, at its recent meeting, finally issued the order to clear the site with concrete flooring, jetty and swimming pool constructed by the owners without its permission on the southern banks of River Chapora.
The order follows persistent efforts for nearly six years by Anthony D’Souza of Vaddy Nagrik Samiti, who had first lodged a complaint dated April 3, 2013, alleging that the setting up of the nightclub ‘Teso Waterfront’ in survey number 301/1 and adjoining areas had violated the Coastal Regulations Zone (CRZ), 1991, notification.
After an expert members’ committee inspected the site on April 1, 2015, the report submitted by it confirmed 11 structures of various dimensions, including a bar-and-restaurant and also rooms in a no-development zone.
The owners had claimed that three structures existed prior to 1991 before the CRZ notification came into force. A small water tank had been converted into a swimming pool and the internal flooring comprised laterite masonry.
But after thorough discussion, GCZMA issued the order for demolition after hearing both parties, as directed by the national green tribunal. The use of concrete and stone indicated that the structures were not of temporary nature, as claimed.
The owner had also obtained some permissions, except GCZMA’s approval.