the goan I network
MAPUSA
Despite three demolition orders issued by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) and six years of litigation including appeals before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the High Court, a nightclub in Siolim bang on the banks of Chapora River continues to stand tall.
In its latest order issued in May, the GCZMA had directed the owner of the nightclub to demolish all structures along with concrete flooring, jetty and swimming pool in the property at Siolim.
“It is clear from the GCZMA records that the owner of the nightclub was given NOC dated Dec 31, 2015 for erection of temporary seasonal structures shacks, huts and cottages. This NOC was valid up to May 31, 2016 and the applicant was directed to remove all the structures latest by June 10, 2016. The applicant has not sought any permission thereafter and presence of existing structures is confirmation of violations of terms of GCZMA permission. Therefore, the authority resolves to issue demolition order to all temporary or permanent structures,” said Ravi Jha (IAS), member secretary of GCZMA.
A complaint against the alleged illegal constructions of the nightclub was first filed by Siolim Vaddy Nagarik Samitee in 2013.
Based on the complaint, the GCZMA issued a show-cause cum stop-work order to the nightclub and subsequently carried out a site inspection, which showed CRZ violations.
Finding the authority dragging its feet, one of the Nagrik Samittee members, Anthony D’Souza, approached the NGT in 2015.
In 2016, the NGT directed the GCZMA to hear the petitioner and the respondent nightclub owner and take a final decision within four weeks.
GCZMA in its first order in February 2015, directed the nightclub to demolish all the illegal structures, including the concrete flooring, jetty and a swimming pool.
However, the owner challenged the order before the High Court. The HC subsequently in July 2017 directed GCZMA to hear the parties concerned afresh and decide the matter within a period of four months.
Again, for the second time, the GCZMA in September 2018 issued demolition of all illegal constructions carried out by the nightclub owner.
Interestingly, the owner again challenged the order by a writ petition and the High Court again directed the authority to hear the petitioner and the nightclub owner afresh and decide the matter within four months.
Finally for the third time, the GCZMA in its recent order issued on May 28, directed the nightclub owner to demolish all structures at the property along with the concrete flooring, jetty and a swimming pool and restore the land to its original condition within 15 days of the order.
The order also directed the deputy collector, Bardez, to verify the demolition and if the owner fails to take action then he should demolish the same.
Surprisingly, 25 days after the order not an inch of the nightclub has moved, making a mockery of the direction of the authority and the decision of courts.
Fire in belly keeps Siolim
complainants going
MAPUSA: Fighting against illegalities comes at a price and none would know better than the two complainants “ Anthony D’Souza and Agnelo Noronha “ both from the picturesque village of Siolim.
Siolim Vaddy Nagarik Samitee was a five-member committee when the first complaint was filed against the Siolim nightclub, Waterfront in 2013.
Six years down the line, one member parted company while two others have passed away. The Nagrik Samittee exists only on paper.
Anthony and Agnelo, who are soon turning into senior citizens, have been fighting illnesses, but the fire in their belly keep them going to fight the good battle against illegalities in their village.
“Besides giving our precious time, we had to also shell out from our pockets to fight for the cause,” said D’Souza.
He slammed the authorities for having failed to give justice to citizens who have been battling against irregularities.
“Our authorities are spineless. What is the use of the authorities if they can’t implement their own orders?” he lamented.
