MAPUSA
After a recent order of the High Court of Bombay at Goa to seal 175 illegal commercial establishments along the Anjuna-Caisua coast, it has now come to light that several prominent clubs, bars and restaurants in North Goa's coastal belt are operating without the required consent to operate from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB).
These businesses are running without the mandatory GSPCB consent and face the risk of being sealed.
Information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act reveals that at least a dozen clubs and bars and restaurants in the region do not hold valid GSPCB consent to operate.
They include popular venues such as Sinq Night Club, Showbar, Cohiba, Soi in Candolim, Soro-The Village Pub, Sake in Assagao, Soho Fontainhas in Panaji, Shiori-Yakitori Bar in Siolim, Soi at Dona Paula, Noah Aone Restaurant in Vagator, and LPK Waterfront Club in Nerul.
The GSPCB data highlights that these establishments either have no consent or that there are no details available with the department, indicating that they operate without adhering to the environmental regulations and standards set by authorities.
Local resident Atmaram Gadekar has lodged a complaint with the GSPCB and other relevant authorities, urging immediate action to ensure compliance with pollution control measures.
"The lack of proper authorisation raises questions about the enforcement and monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure compliance with pollution control measures," Gadekar stated in his complaint.
He called for immediate halting of operations of these unauthorised businesses and warned that he would pursue legal action if the illegal establishments are not sealed.
This issue follows a recent High Court order mandating the sealing of 175 commercial establishments along Anjuna beach for operating without necessary construction licenses, trade licenses or occupancy certificates.
The ongoing situation underscores significant gaps in regulatory enforcement and raises concerns about environmental compliance in Goa's coastal belt.
The spotlight on these operations calls for a more robust enforcement mechanism to ensure that all businesses comply with environmental and regulatory standards, thereby safeguarding Goa's natural beauty and maintaining its status as a premier tourist destination.
