Team Goemkarponn
ANJUNA: Authorities sealed the popular restaurant-cum-nightclub Curlies at Anjuna after finding alleged violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms, with officials indicating that demolition of illegal structures may follow after further verification.
The sealing was carried out by a joint team comprising officials from the Bardez Mamlatdar’s office, talathi, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), CRZ wing and Anjuna police. The action forms part of the state government’s ongoing crackdown on establishments operating along the coast without adhering to environmental and statutory regulations.
Curlies, located close to Anjuna beach, has been under the scanner for several years over allegations of unauthorised construction within the CRZ area. Officials said the present action was taken after identifying continued non-compliance with coastal laws.
GCZMA Member Secretary Sachin Desai stated that the next course of action, including demolition, would depend on the completion of mapping and verification of existing structures. He said records would be examined to ascertain whether previous orders have been complied with before taking a final decision.
It may be recalled that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had last year upheld a GCZMA demolition order against the establishment after dismissing an appeal filed by its owner, Linet Nunes. The tribunal had ruled that the structure was illegal and directed restoration of the land to its original condition.
Despite the NGT order, demolition had not been carried out and the establishment continued commercial operations, officials said. Friday’s sealing marks a significant step towards enforcing long-pending orders.
The action is also being viewed in the context of heightened enforcement following the recent nightclub fire tragedy at Arpora, with the government stepping up checks on safety, environmental compliance and legality of coastal and nightlife establishments across the state.
