MAPUSA
An allegedly illegal resort structure ordered to be demolished by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) continues to stand in Mandrem village, well within the No Development Zone (NDZ) and close to a turtle nesting site, raising serious questions over enforcement and regulatory accountability.
The case, which dragged on for nearly seven years, pertains to illegal constructions in Survey No 216 of Mandrem.
Following an initial complaint, the GCZMA issued show-cause notices to Fab Regalia Resort for carrying out constructions without mandatory permissions under the CRZ Notification.
The matter was referred to the District Level Committee (DLC), which, after an inquiry, recommended demolition of the structures and restoration of the land to its original condition, terming the constructions prima facie illegal.
The DLC report noted that the structures were located merely 105.50 metres from the High Tide Line.
During the proceedings, authorities recorded multiple violations, including the illegal construction of 11 shacks or huts, a swimming pool, compound wall, paved pathways and steps. The Mamlatdar, in his report to the GCZMA, confirmed the extent of unauthorised construction.
In what officials privately admit has become a familiar tactic, the violator allegedly sought repeated adjournments during hearings and even changed the resort’s name from ‘Fab Regalia’ to ‘The Regalia’ in an apparent attempt to evade liability.
“Several opportunities were given to the party to present their case, but the violations were clearly established,” a senior GCZMA official said on condition of anonymity.
Two months ago, the GCZMA finally passed a demolition order directing the proprietor, Sudipto Choudhary, to remove all illegal structures within 30 days and restore the land. However, despite the expiry of the deadline, the resort continues to stand intact.
“The bigger issue is not just illegal construction but the failure to enforce demolition orders. Every delay emboldens violators and undermines the credibility of coastal regulation,” said a local environmental activist.
With the structure still standing in a sensitive ecological zone, the case has once again spotlighted allegations of regulatory leniency and raised uncomfortable questions about whether the system meant to protect Goa’s fragile coastline is being systematically compromised.
