Photo Credits: What dominates Calangute demolition drive – rule of law or politics?
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LEGAL FOUR YEARS AGO, ILLEGAL NOW
* Mission demolition: Approximately 14 extended structures brought down to make way for a footpath in 2012
* Extending support: Lobo had then backed the panchayat action to demolish the structures
* Standing tall: As other structures fall, alleged illegal part of La Calypso resort remains untouched
* Buddies in arms then: Michael Lobo (Calangute MLA) and Joseph Sequeira (Calangute acting sarpanch)
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CHANGED SCENARIO IN 2016: ILLEGAL NOW
* Friends turn foes: Lobo and Sequeira who complimented each other,
parted ways in 2013 and now do not see eye to eye
* Going with the resort: Sequeira, who was in the forefront of demolitions in 2012, appears sympathetic to Calypso owner
* Justifying Calypso fall: We have demolished the latest extension, of the resort, says Michael Lobo * No proper proceedure? Sequeira blames Lobo for failing to adhere to proper procedure while carrying out demolitions
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The demolished structure existed at the same place for over 15 years
- Kaushal Khanna, owner of La Calypso
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MAPUSA: Should the demolition of structures in Calangute depend on the rule of law or politics?
North Goa Planning and Development Authority Chairman and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo had led a demolition team to knock down the alleged illegal structure of La Calypso resort in Baga on Wednesday.
Within an hour, the whole structure was demolished despite repeated pleas and protests of the resort owner.
But many may not be aware but the powers that be had ignored taking similar action against the resort four years back.
In 2012, the Calangute Panchayat went about demolishing approximately 14 extended structures to make way for a footpath along the Calangute-Baga road.
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo had then supported the panchayat action to demolish the structures.
The demolition crew had then removed extended part of the restaurants and other small business houses aligned along the main road, despite fervent appeals of the owners to spare their structures.
Within two weeks of the demolition, then chief minister Manohar Parrikar had inaugurated the footpath works along the Calangute-Baga road and had promised comprehensive development along the coastal belt.
The alleged illegal structure of La Calypso resort existed even then, but neither the Calangute Panchayat nor the Calangute MLA thought fit to take any action against it.
So what changed from then to now?
“That time, the structure was just around two metres abutting the road. They have expanded and covered more roadside area now. We have demolished the latest extension,” justified Michael Lobo.
He also took refuge in a collector’s standing order for removal of any structures which come in the way of footpaths and parking areas.
On the other hand, Calangute's acting Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira, who was in the forefront in the demolition of the structures in 2012, appeared sympathetic to the La Calypso owner.
“While constructing the footpath in 2012, we had asked the owner of La Calypso to shift his structure behind and he had done so,” Sequeira said.
However, no such option was given to other hotels and small business houses, who had pleaded for time then.
The owner of La Calypso, Kaushal Khanna has, however, stated that the demolished structure existed at the same place for over 15 years.
“I do not know why action has been taken on my resort now. They inspected the area and on the very next day, demolished the structure.”
“There was no show-cause issue. Where is the natural course of justice,” asked Kaushal Khana, while speaking to The Goan.
For those unfamiliar with politics along Calangute's coast, Lobo and Sequeira were good friends and complimented each other on any development work in the constituency in 2012.
But since 2013, they parted ways and now do not see eye to eye.
Sequeira, however, took pains to censure the local MLA for failing to adhere to proper procedure while carrying out demolitions of illegal structures.
“In 2012, the Calangute MLA did not find the extended structure of La Calypso illegal. He’s using PDA as a shield to carry out selective demolitions in Calangute,” Sequeira lashed out.
So is it the rule of law or just plain politics that is driving the demolitions along the Calangute-Baga belt?
“The demolition drive will continue. We will take action against all those who have encroached on public land,” Lobo said.
He said an inspection was carried behind the Estrela do Mar resort in Calangute on Friday.
“The owner has volunteered to demolish the coco-huts built along the beach and some of which were blocking the traditional access of locals,” he added.
