Goa Authorities Seal Restaurant on Former Chief Minister's Property for Illegal Construction
Authorities in North Goa sealed a restaurant on Thursday. The restaurant stood on property owned by former Goa chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar. Officials took action for alleged illegal construction on a salt pan in Pernem.
Official Order Details Violations
Deputy Collector of Pernem, Shivprasad Naik, issued the sealing order on Wednesday. The order followed a report from the local mamlatdar and talathi. It highlighted serious discrepancies on survey number 52/1 in Arambol village.
The report identified a structure named 'Ottello' restaurant. This building covered approximately 700 square meters. It included wooden cottages built on a permanent plinth. The restaurant operated on land owned by Parsekar.
The order stated a wooden pathway or bridge was erected in water bodies. This construction happened without obtaining proper conversion permissions from authorities. The gut book for the survey number confirmed the land falls under water bodies or a salt pan.
Survey plans showed a major part of the area as a water body. The regional plan depicted it specifically as a salt pan. Form 3 for the survey number also classified it as a salt pan.
Authorities Cite Safety Concerns and Illegal Activity
Considering all evidence, the order concluded the structures were erected illegally. They were built on the salt pan without any government permissions. The site was being used for commercial activities.
The incident occurred at Romeo Lane in Arpora village. The order emphasized the need for precautions to protect visitors' lives.
"Since the said structures are running without obtaining permissions... there is a need to stop operations immediately to safeguard lives," the order read. It instructed the mamlatdar of Pernem taluka to seal all premises on survey number 52/1 immediately. Authorities were told to vacate people from the site and report compliance.
Former CM Parsekar Denies Wrongdoing
Former BJP leader Laxmikant Parsekar served as Goa's chief minister from 2014 to 2017. He responded to the sealing by denying any personal wrongdoing.
Parsekar claimed he had leased the property to another individual. That person, he stated, was operating the restaurant.
"My role ends when I lease out the property," Parsekar told media persons. "It is for the person who has leased the property to get the required permissions."
The former chief minister shifted responsibility to the lessee. He insisted his involvement concluded with the leasing agreement.
This case highlights ongoing issues with illegal constructions in coastal Goa. It particularly focuses on sensitive ecological zones like salt pans. The action against a property linked to a former high-profile politician draws significant public attention.
Local authorities continue to enforce regulations against unauthorized development. They aim to protect fragile ecosystems and ensure public safety.
