MAPUSA
In a significant victory for villagers of Assagao, the Town and Country Planning (TCP) office has revoked the technical clearance previously granted to a proposed controversial nightclub in the area.
This decision comes in response to the nightclub’s alleged unauthorised activities within the structure.
Deputy Town Planner Zaidev Aldonkar announced the withdrawal, citing that the approval initially given for operating a restaurant had been violated.
According to Aldonkar, the Assagao panchayat had requested a joint site inspection on April 20 to consider the regularisation of the restaurant.
This inspection was necessitated by the discovery of unauthorised activities taking place at the premises.
The TCP department also received a representation from the Assagao-Badem Citizen’s Action Committee (ABCAC) concerning the nightclub “Rumba”, operated by M/s DNG Entertainment.
The committee highlighted that the nightclub promoters were attempting to secure NOCs from various departments to gain approval from the Assagao panchayat.
During the 201st meeting of the TCP Board, it was decided that if the original approval was found to be violated and the structure’s use had changed without authorisation, appropriate legal action would be taken.
Consequently, Aldonkar confirmed the technical clearance order was officially withdrawn.
The villagers of Assagao, organised under the banner of ABCAC, have been actively opposing the establishment of the nightclub in their residential area.
On Monday, ABCAC members met with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who assured them that the nightclub would not be allowed to set up in the village.
The local community has shown strong opposition to the project, organising awareness campaigns and a silent candlelight march to voice their concerns.
This decision marks a pivotal moment for Assagao residents as they continue their efforts to preserve the character and tranquility of their village.
