Hotel in Goa violating CRZ

PANJIM: The whip is clearly on the hoteliers who indulge in CRZ
violation in Goa, what with the High Court getting taking stringent
action against the hotels which indulge in CRZ violation.

After Vanila Lounge, the three other hotels -- La Calypso, Hotel
Estrela do Mar and Shree Par Fragrance face the demolition axe, though
partially. As per the report submitted by the North Goa Collector, few
structures of La Calypso, Hotel Estrela do Mar and Shree Par Fragrance
fall within the CRZ.

Meanwhile, the counsel for Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority
(GCZMA) Subodh Kantak submitted to the Court that while they have
already issued demolition notice to La Calypso as per the report
submitted by the Collector, they have issued show cause notice to
Shree Par Fragrance in terms of the report of the Collector and matter
would be taken to its logical conclusion within 3 months. So far as
Hotel Estrela do Mar is concerned, advocate Kantak stated that they
would soon be issuing demolition notice as per the report of the
Collector.

The Division bench of Justice RS Mohite and Justice NA Britto while
disposing of a petition filed by Floriano Lobo has asked the three
hotels to deposit a sum of Rs 5000 each within a period of one week to
the petitioner as compensation.

Lobo, after perusing the report filed by the Collector (North) on the
extent of CRZ violation carried out by La Calypso, Hotel Estrela do
Mar and Shree Par Fragrance had made his submission before the High
Court. He submitted that four structures in La Calypso are within the
200 metres from the HTL.

He further submitted that in hotel Estrela do Mar, the total built up
area beyond 200 metres from HTL is in excess of 33 percent, which is
permissible maximum limit. Further, he also submitted that there is no
permission of the Environment Ministry or GCZMA for construction of
six structures and is illegal.

As regards to Shree Par Fragrance, Lobo submitted that no permission
has been sought from Environment Ministry or GCZMA and all structures,
including the temporary ones fall within 500 meters of HTL. He also
stated that there is an on-going enquiry before the Deputy Collector
of Bardez at Mapusa against Shree Par Fragrance for cutting and
destroying the sand dunes within the property.