MAPUSA
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) on Thursday belatedly decided to re-seal the controversial premises of the Sunburn Beach Club at Ozran in Vagator.
The beach club was a host to several high decibel rave parties from December 30, 2020 to January 3 in the New Year, much to the annoyance of local residents.
GCZMA Member Secretary Dashrath Redkar informed that the authority has decided to seal the club.
“After discussion, the committee has decided to seal the Sunburn Beach Club. Tomorrow (Friday) morning I will be issuing an order to the deputy collector and it will be sealed tomorrow itself,” Redkar said.
On the direction of the GCZMA, the deputy collector had sealed the club on December 18, 2020. Subsequently in a decision that surprised many, the member secretary reviewed his decision and ordered de-sealing of the club on December 28 ostensibly to felicitate removal of perishable items from the premises.
Sources in the GCZMA informed that representatives of the club, who were present for a hearing, were questioned by committee members how they went ahead and organised night parties when the permission was issued only to remove perishable items.
The sources further informed that Environment Secretary Kunal (IAS) put his foot down and directed the committee to immediately seal the club premises.
Anjuna panchayat member Surendra Govekar who was present at the meeting as an intervener circulated a promotion flier informing about another party to be organised in the club on Friday (Jan 8) night among the committee members.
Incidentally, several high decibel rave parties were organised in the Sunburn Beach Club from December 30, 2020 onwards.
The club was packed with party revellers on the eve of the New Year, even as non-stop music was played out till 6 am the next day. The music never stopped as the club hosted parties on January 1, 2 and 3 in the New Year, with police looking the other way.
Several complaints against loud music to the deputy collector, Anjuna PI and several other senior officials in the administration went unanswered.
Facing no challenge from the administration or the political establishment, the owners planned another round of party during the extended weekend of January 8, 9 and 10.
