MAPUSA
The controversy surrounding a nightclub in Assagao continues to escalate, with no resolution in sight. The situation has taken a new turn as the landowner has appealed to the Director of Panchayats to regularize the structure.
The Assagao panchayat initially issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) to DNG Entertainment on June 7, 2023, permitting the construction of a temporary pre-engineered building (PEB) for a bar and restaurant at Survey No. 224/2, Mardungo Vaddo.
The panchayat received fees of Rs 67,000 and one month’s rent of Rs 1.60 lakh annual house tax for the structure.
Based on the panchayat’s NOC, DNG Entertainment secured additional permissions from health authorities, the Goa State Pollution Control Board, the fire department, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
They also obtained a commercial conversion sanad from the Town and Country Planning (TCP) department by paying the necessary fees, and subsequently applied for permission from the Assagao panchayat.
However, the panchayat failed to either approve or reject the permission. As a result, the landowner has now approached the Director of Panchayats to regularize the structure.
Public outcry and
formation of ABCAC
Local residents, upon learning about the nightclub, became agitated and formed the Assagao Badem Citizens Action Committee (ABCAC) in April to oppose the establishment.
They applied for all relevant documents from the concerned authorities and held several meetings with the panchayat, the local MLA, and the TCP minister. Additionally, they organized a silent candlelight protest to voice their concerns.
Assagao Sarpanch Hanumant Naik has stated that the approval was granted only for a bar and restaurant, not a nightclub. Despite questioning the landowner multiple times, Naik has not provided clear outcomes from these discussions.
Amid growing public pressure, DNG Entertainment submitted a handwritten note to the panchayat in April, requesting the cancellation of the temporary license issued the previous year.
Locals, however, viewed this as a dubious attempt to placate the protesting public.
Calls for joint
inspection
The panchayat wrote to the TCP, requesting a joint site inspection after residents highlighted various flaws in the approvals given by the TCP. Despite repeated requests and mounting public pressure, the TCP has not yet conducted the inspection. The panchayat sent another reminder to the TCP on June 11.
The Director of Panchayats is set to address the landowner’s appeal to regularize the structure on June 18.
ABCAC convenor Surendra Gad has asserted that the villagers will persist in their efforts to have the nightclub scrapped.
The ABCAC is considering legal action to become a party to the matter, emphasizing that the nightclub affects the entire community.
"We will fight to get this club out and for that we are exploring all means available to us including legal recourse. There is no compromise on it. We are firm that we do not want it in Assagao. Let them go elsewhere," Gad declared.
As the date of the Director of Panchayats' decision approaches, the conflict shows no signs of abating, with local residents determined to protect their community from the establishment of the controversial nightclub.
