NT Reporter Mapusa
Authorities on Friday sealed the controversial shack Curlies in Anjuna over the alleged violation of CRZ norms. The action comes on the heels of the crackdown on tourism-related businesses following the Arpora fire tragedy that claimed 25 lives.
A directive was issued to seal all commercial premises established on survey numbers 42/9, 42/10, 42/11, 45/19 and 45/41 in Anjuna.
Accordingly, a team of officials, including from the Bardez mamlatdar office, the talathi, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) and the Anjuna police went to the site, where GCZMA officials identified the structure and sealed it, in the presence of
police force.
The action was taken following the direction from the deputy collector, Bardez to seal the premises under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986, read with Rule 4 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.
It is pertinent to note that in 2022 authorities moved to demolish the shack following the court direction. Accordingly, the property was demarcated and demolition was undertaken.
However, stay was obtained on the demolition of a portion of the establishment. Hence it was not demolished.
However, later the National Green Tribunal directed to clear the encroachments on adjourning survey numbers and refused to grant any stay on the demolition order.
The shack was in limelight following the death of BJP leader and actress Sonali Phogat.
When contacted GCZMA’s member secretary Sachin Desai said the premises of Curlies have been sealed.
“We will soon map all the structures on the survey number,” he said.
There is already an order for demolition. But we have not been able to identify the areas as mapping could not be carried out because there was some obstruction. Finally, the order was issued and now the establishment has been sealed, Desai said.
“Soon we will map the structure in detail and action will be initiated against the portion pending for demolition. Until then the premises will remain sealed,” he said.
