Restaurant India News: Goa Tourism Department Demolishes Illegal Romeo Lane Structure at Vagator

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has confirmed the demolition of an unauthorised structure operating under the name “Romeo Lane” at Vagator, following an enforcement action carried out yesterday. The Department stated that the structure had illegally encroached upon land within its jurisdiction and was found to be in violation of applicable regulations after due verification.

According to officials, the encroached portion of the property did not have the necessary approvals and therefore qualified as illegal construction. The demolition was conducted in accordance with legal procedures governing tourism-controlled areas, particularly beach zones that fall under the Department’s oversight.

The Department further clarified that this was not a first-time violation. The same structure had earlier been demolished in 2024 for similar regulatory breaches. Despite the earlier action, the unauthorised section was reconstructed without permission, prompting fresh enforcement measures. Officials noted that the repeat nature of the violation left the Department with no option but to proceed with demolition once again.

From a regulatory standpoint, the Tourism Department reiterated that its role is limited to being the registering authority for private shacks and not a licensing body. The Vagator property fell under its jurisdiction solely due to its beachside location. In contrast, the establishment known as “Birch by Romeo Lane” at Arpora, where a recent fire incident occurred, does not come under the Department of Tourism’s regulatory control, as it is located outside notified tourism-managed areas.

Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte, stated, “The Department of Tourism has a clear mandate in areas that fall within its jurisdiction. Enforcement actions such as this are part of our ongoing drives against illegal structures, unauthorized activities, touts, and other practices that damage Goa’s tourism credibility. These are ongoing routine governance measures aimed at ensuring that tourism operates in an orderly, lawful, and responsible manner.”

Director of Tourism Kedar Naik confirmed that the demolition was executed in strict adherence to the legal framework. He added that despite prior demolition, the illegal reconstruction was carried out without approval, making enforcement unavoidable under established procedures.

The Department of Tourism reiterated its broader commitment to responsible tourism governance and structured development across the state. It cautioned all stakeholders that encroachments and unauthorised activities, especially in public and environmentally sensitive zones, will face action as per law. From a hospitality industry perspective, the development underscores the government’s continued focus on regulatory compliance and its intent to protect Goa’s tourism ecosystem through consistent enforcement.