MAPUSA
The controversial restaurant and club, Romeo Lane, in Anjuna, has allegedly demolished a newly constructed wooden structure that extended into the sea, just hours before officials from the tourism department and environmental authorities conducted a joint inspection on Tuesday.
Already under scrutiny for multiple violations, Romeo Lane had recently resumed construction on the beach, further encroaching on land owned by the tourism department.
In response to increasing pressure, the club's proponents reportedly worked tirelessly over the past two days to dismantle the allegedly illegal structure, which jutted directly into the sea.
On Tuesday, officials from the Tourism Department, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), and the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) conducted a joint inspection of the club's premises.
According to an official, the inspection was ostensibly focused on reviewing the restoration plan for the area surrounding Romeo Lane, which is to be overseen by the GSBB.
“We have discussed the restoration plan. The GSBB will now submit a report detailing how the area will be restored,” an official from the inspection team told The Goan.
Local resident Nilesh Phadte, who had lodged a complaint about the illegal construction with various state authorities, confirmed that the club owners had completely dismantled the structure, leaving no visible trace of the recent construction activity.
“During the joint inspection, the officials could not find any trace of the illegal wooden construction,” Phadte said.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about coastal violations and the enforcement of environmental regulations in the region.
Authorities are expected to closely monitor the situation as the restoration plan is developed and implemented.
