The local panchayat in Arpora has issued a demolition notice to the popular Baga nightclub, Birch by Romeo Lane, after it was found operating without essential permits. The action has ignited a serious debate about regulatory oversight and how the establishment continued its business despite multiple reported violations.
Demolition Notice and the Stay Order
Acting on a formal complaint, the Arpora-Nagoa village panchayat moved against the nightclub for operating without a valid construction licence and a mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire and emergency services department. The sarpanch, Roshan Redkar, confirmed that the panchayat initiated the process and issued the demolition notice. However, the club's promoters managed to obtain a stay order against this directive, allowing them to continue operations.
The stay order was issued by the directorate of panchayats. The current director, Mahadev Araundekar, distanced himself from the decision, stating it was made by his predecessor, Siddhi Halarnkar. In a significant development, the government suspended Siddhi Halarnkar on Sunday for allowing the nightclub to function without the required licences.
Legal Tangles and Upcoming Hearing
The legal situation remains complex. Joao Fernandes, the additional director of panchayats, revealed that an intervention application has been filed by one of the club's partners concerning a dispute with bar owners and landowners. A hearing involving all parties has been scheduled for December 17 to argue the case further.
The original complaint, which triggered the panchayat's action, was a letter dated December 21, 2023, addressed to the mamlatdar. It raised grave safety concerns, stating the discotheque was being run in an unstable structure built on a waterbody, risking a major tragedy. It also alleged construction without proper land conversion documents on tenanted agricultural land and the demolition of traditional sluice gates.
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
The controversy has drawn strong reactions from local legislators. Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, in whose constituency the club is located, pledged to enforce strict measures in his and his wife's constituencies. Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo demanded a thorough investigation. "There should be a thorough inquiry into the matter as to why the director of panchayats stayed the demolition notice," she asserted.
Delilah Lobo also called for an urgent fire safety audit of all nightclubs and restaurants along Goa's coastal belt to ensure compliance with norms. This incident has highlighted a wider issue of unchecked construction in ecologically sensitive zones.
Transformation of Salt Pans and Local Grief
The nightclub is situated on traditional salt pans in Arpora. With tourism booming, many such pans have been altered—filled with water to create artificial lakes or reclaimed for parking and temporary structures. Locals allege that to bypass Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules, builders often use so-called eco-friendly materials.
A resident of the area lamented the complete transformation of their quiet neighbourhood since the club opened two years ago. "I grew up playing near the salt pans. This structure brought drunken tourists, noise, and traffic," the resident shared, adding that the club provided little local employment, relying mostly on migrant workers. The community is now united in mourning following the recent tragedy.
