MAPUSA
The controversy surrounding alleged illegal constructions and demolition orders has resurfaced, this time at the property once owned by Vijay Mallya, even as memories of the recent Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub dispute remain fresh.
Kingfisher Villa “ now rechristened as Kings Mansion under its new owner “ has again come under scrutiny.
Acting on directions from the Deputy Director of Panchayats, the Block Development Officer (BDO), Bardez, along with the secretary of the Candolim village panchayat, carried out an inspection of alleged illegal constructions at the property owned by Sachin Joshi on Monday.
The development has drawn parallels with the recent Birch by Romeo Lane controversy in Arpora, where the Arpora“Nagoa panchayat had ordered demolition of the nightclub structure over alleged violations.
However, the Deputy Director of Panchayats later granted a stay on the demolition order, even as authorities subsequently claimed that the club did not possess the required permissions.
A similar situation appears to be unfolding in Candolim. In June last year, the Candolim village panchayat had directed the owners of King’s Mansion to demolish six alleged illegal structures and a swimming pool within the property bearing Survey No. 112/19 at Dando, Candolim.
Invoking Section 47 of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, the panchayat had ordered demolition of what it described as illegal reconstruction and renovation of structures on the property. The order warned that if the owner failed to carry out the demolition, the panchayat would initiate action to demolish the structures and recover the costs from the owner under the Goa Panchayat Raj (Recovery of Taxes, Fees and Dues) Rules, 1999.
The owner, however, challenged the order before the Deputy Director of Panchayats, who subsequently granted a stay on the demolition.
Meanwhile, the Calangute Constituency Forum had earlier filed a complaint against the project, alleging destruction of sand dunes and beach vegetation in Survey No. 112/9 in Candolim. In its complaint, the forum alleged that the owners had caused significant damage to the local environment and ecosystem.
With the fresh inspection now carried out by authorities, the issue has once again brought into focus the recurring pattern of panchayat demolition orders being challenged before higher authorities, similar to what was witnessed in the Birch by Romeo Lane case.
