MAPUSA
In a significant development, the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Bardez, Prathamesh Shankardas, has issued a directive to the secretary of the Siolim-Marna panchayat, instructing immediate action on a long-standing complaint about unauthorised wedding and night parties being conducted at an open-air venue on the riverbank in Siolim.
The BDO has demanded a detailed compliance report within seven days, citing the secretary’s failure to act despite repeated instructions from higher authorities.
The venue in question is reportedly hosting parties with loud music and serving alcohol, allegedly without obtaining the necessary Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances, permissions from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local panchayat. This directive comes after the panchayat secretary failed to respond to a similar request from the BDO last year.
Adding to the urgency of the matter, Deputy Collector Kabir Shirgaonkar had also written to the panchayat secretary and the sarpanch two months ago, urging them to take necessary action under the Goa Panchayat Raj Act. However, these appeals have gone unheeded.
Local resident and complainant Atmaram Gadekar has been vocal about the issue. According to him, the venue owner continues to operate without legal clearances, conducting loud night parties that disrupt the peace of the neighbourhood. “These unauthorised business activities are not just a disturbance to local residents but are also causing significant environmental harm. It is imperative that authorities act promptly to enforce compliance with the law,” Gadekar said.
He emphasised the need for strict regulatory measures to address the issue, stating, “The unauthorised nature of these activities underscores the necessity for stringent enforcement of regulations to maintain order and protect the environment.”
With the BDO’s latest directive, residents and activists are hopeful for swift action. The onus now lies on the panchayat secretary to submit a comprehensive report and take immediate corrective measures. “This is a test of governance at the grassroots level. We cannot afford to ignore such blatant violations, especially when they affect the quality of life of residents and the health of the environment,” said Gadekar.
All eyes are now on the Siolim-Marna panchayat to see if they will finally address this pressing issue.
