Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jan 16: The state government’s crackdown on unauthorised structures in eco-sensitive zones continued on Thursday, with authorities sealing the Ottello restaurant at Arambol in Pernem taluka over alleged illegal construction on a salt pan. In a separate action, four restaurants in South Goa were also sealed for non-compliance with mandatory regulations.
The Ottello restaurant, operating from a property owned by former chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar, was sealed by the Pernem deputy collector as part of an enforcement drive to ensure compliance with safety and land-use regulations.
Distancing himself from the action, Parsekar said that although he owns the property, it has been leased out. “I had some suspicion, but I don’t run hotels. I run schools and colleges,” he said. Parsekar added that he had leased two properties for periods of 10 and 15 years respectively, and the responsibility of following all legal compliances lies with the lessee.
“If they run something illegally, then he is responsible, not me. I am the landowner and he must pay my rent, but if he does something wrong, he is responsible,” the former chief minister said, adding that he is not concerned whether the establishments are sealed or shut down.
According to the official order, the report submitted by the mamlatdar and talathi of Pernem taluka pointed out discrepancies in survey number 52/1 at Arambol. “A restaurant by the name Ottello is in operation with approximately 700 square metres of plinth area, including wooden cottages erected on permanent plinth. A wooden pathway or bridge has been erected in water bodies without obtaining valid conversion sanad or permissions from the competent authorities,” the order stated.
The survey records describe the land as “Mithgar Madlawada”, meaning a salt pan, with the survey plan showing a major portion of the plot as a water body. The Regional Plan 2021 also classifies the land as a salt pan.
Meanwhile, in South Goa, a joint team comprising officials from the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Public Works Department and the South Goa Collector’s office sealed four establishments following random inspections.
The sealed establishments include ‘Your Story’, a restaurant in Benaulim; Fishland, a bar and restaurant in Colva; Galeria, a restaurant in Colva; and Colmar Resort in Colva. Officials said the inspections revealed that the establishments had failed to comply with requirements for obtaining mandatory approvals within the stipulated time.
Authorities said the inspections found the absence of essential licences and statutory approvals, along with non-compliance with fire safety norms. The establishments had earlier been served show-cause notices and were given an opportunity to explain their position.
South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus said that in December 2025, as many as 38 establishments were issued notices after violations were observed. “The establishments are now being visited at random to check for compliance. They were given ample time,” she said.
The enforcement drive is expected to continue as authorities intensify action against illegal constructions and non-compliant commercial establishments, particularly in eco-sensitive areas of the state.