Goa Tourism responds to the encroachment at Vagator’s Romeo Lane
The Department also notes that it is not the licensing authority but rather the registering authority for private shacks under the statute.
The following information is being provided by the Goan government’s Department of Tourism in relation to the action taken today at Vagator regarding a building that goes by the name “Romeo Lane.”
The action was conducted in relation to an unlawful structure that had encroached on land that was under the Department of Tourism’s control. Demolition was done strictly in accordance with the law once it was determined that the encroached portion was unlawful and in breach of the relevant rules.
It is important to remember that the same building was demolished in 2024 due to comparable infractions. The Department had to take new action since the unapproved part was rebuilt without permission despite the previous enforcement action.
Due to its location on the beach, the Vagator structure is within the Department’s supervision; however, the “Birch by Romeo Lane” institution in Arpora, where the fire event occurred, is not covered by the Tourism Department Regulation Act.
“The Department of Tourism has a clear mandate in areas that fall within its jurisdiction,” said Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister of Tourism. Our continuous efforts to combat unlawful structures, unapproved activities, touts, and other acts that harm Goa’s reputation as a travel destination include enforcement actions like this one. These are continuous, standard governance procedures meant to guarantee that tourism runs in a responsible, law-abiding, and orderly manner.
“The Department’s action was taken in full compliance within the legal framework,” said Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism. He continued by saying that the Department has no choice but to follow established protocols since the building was rebuilt without permission despite earlier enforcement.
