Illegal Salt Pan Construction in Arpora Leads to Demolition Order

November 12, 2024

Following numerous complaints from Mapusa residents Pradeep Ghadi and Sunil Divkar, officials from the Bardez Block Development Office (BDO) conducted a detailed site inspection to address alleged illegal constructions in the environmentally sensitive salt pans of Arpora. Ghadi and Divkar had raised concerns specifically about a nightclub that reportedly constructed additional apartments on the eco-sensitive salt pan area covered under survey numbers 158/0 and 159/0 without securing appropriate permits. Divkar, who is a director at a tourism company and co-owner of the property, claimed that there was an agreement with Surinder Khosla for 24 apartments, which was violated when extra buildings were erected, directly breaching environmental regulations. This allegation brought the nightclub’s activities under intense scrutiny, marking significant environmental and legal concerns.

Administrative Response and Legal Violations

An initial inspection by the Arpora-Nagoa panchayat in February confirmed unauthorized construction activities at the site, prompting a demolition order in April. The Directorate of Panchayats then instructed the Bardez BDO to carry out a more detailed inspection. The BDO’s review uncovered numerous legal violations, including unauthorized construction in communal areas and salt pans, which were being used by a well-known nightclub. These actions breached several environmental laws and building regulations. Officials stressed that these violations represented significant breaches of applicable laws, reinforcing the administration’s strong commitment to preserving ecological balance. Consequently, strict legal measures were initiated to address and rectify the illegal developments. This case highlights the ongoing struggle against unauthorized developments, the enforcement of environmental rules, and the need to adhere to legal guidelines to protect environmentally sensitive areas.

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