18 months after NGT order, Curlies sealed for violations

Panaji: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has sealed Curlies Restaurant in Anjuna, nearly 18 months after the National Green Tribunal upheld its demolition order. The action was taken due to alleged violations of Coastal Regulatory Zone norms, with officials planning to conduct detailed mapping before demolishing portions that encroach into CRZ areas.

The popular party venue, known for its all-night rave parties, has been under authorities’ scrutiny for over a decade but had managed to avoid action until now.

“As per the violations noticed, we have initiated action and we will conduct a detailed mapping after which further action will be taken,” said GCZMA member secretary Sachin Dessai.

The sealing operation was carried out by revenue department officials, accompanied by Goa police personnel and officials from GCZMA and the Bardez mamlatdar’s office. This action is part of a broader statewide crackdown on illegal structures along Goa’s coastline.

GCZMA officials clarified that the action was based on an existing demolition order predating the Dec 6 fire at Birch nightclub. The decision to seal and map Curlies was made at a GCZMA board meeting two days prior.

“There is a demolition order in operation. The demolition was partly executed and then some structures were moved by the owner and thus fresh mapping has to be done. GCZMA is about to conduct a detailed mapping of the shack. We want to verify the exact portion of the shack that has to be demolished,” an official stated.

The restaurant was constructed on Survey No. 42/10 within Anjuna panchayat jurisdiction and had expanded into adjacent plots. The main violations included construction in a no development zone and violation of CRZ III norms.

A 2008 technical report by Remote Sensing Instruments, Hyderabad, proved that no structure existed on the site before 1991. The shack was reportedly built without proper GCZMA permissions and was later expanded from a small original structure.

Officials emphasised the importance of closing the shack before mapping, as it was still operational and receiving tourists.

The establishment has a troubled history. In 2008, it gained notoriety when a British teenager was found murdered on the nearby beach. In 2017, Goa police discovered drugs during a Sunday night raid at the beach shack, which was ordered by then chief minister Manohar Parrikar following the deaths of two men from drug overdose while partying at Anjuna.

The GCZMA order requires the restoration of the land to its original state. This action is part of broader efforts to ensure safety, legal compliance, and environmental protection along Goa’s coastline.



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