MAPUSA
After conducting an inquiry, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has directed the deputy collector and sub-divisional magistrate of Bardez to seal and stop commercial operations of a popular beach club in Candolim.
The direction to seal the premises of the beach club has been taken under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, read with Rule 4 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.
GCZMA Member Secretary Dasharath Redkar said that the Barrel Yan Tree Beach Club constructed right on the beach at Vaddy, Candolim was involved in transgressions, causing major damage to the environment.
“In order to avoid further environmental damage, the property needs to be sealed and the commercial operations shall be stopped immediately,” Redkar said in his order which was issued on Thursday (Oct 14).
The GCZMA acted in the matter after receiving complaints against the beach club from the Calangute Constituency Forum and separate complaints from the villagers of Vaddy and residents of Candolim.
The authority found that the beach club was involved in illegal construction of structures and a swimming pool, a restaurant, steps in front of the restaurant stage and washrooms with a deck on the beach.
The GCZMA also said that the illegal construction was done by using laterite stones by destroying the beach, sand dunes and beach vegetation in survey 124 at Vaddy, Candolim.
Sources informed that the beach club belongs to one of the senior politicians in the BJP-led government in the State.
