Goa minister unable to demolish illegal resort, apologises

PANAJI - State Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira Friday apologised to the legislative assembly for his inability to demolish an illegal resort owned by a firm run by Russians, who are being probed by the enforcement directorate.

Sequeira, while admitting that the seaside construction of the resort True Axis was in violation of the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) norms, said that despite instructions from his department, the local administration had failed to demolish the structure.

“I apologise to the House that despite the assurance given by me to the House, we have been unable to demolish the illegal structure, because the local deputy collector was unable to execute the instructions,” Sequeira said during question hour.

The controversial resort in the coastal village of Morjim, 30 km from here, is one of 286 properties purchased by foreigners that are being probed for violation of Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) norms by the enforcement directorate.

Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar said that the failure of a bureaucrat to execute an assurance given by a minister in the assembly amounted to complete breakdown in governance.

“Why are ministers in government helpless like this? Why are you afraid of a deputy collector? This is a mockery of governance,” the senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader said.

Sequeira later assured the House that he would seek help of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat to ensure that the illegal construction was demolished.