Two hot Goa night clubs to be demolished

Panaji, Nov 6 : The Goa coastal zone management authority (GCZMA) has ordered the partial demolition of arguably the state's most popular night spots - Club Tito's and Mambos - for violating coastal regulatory zone (CRZ) norms.

According to an order issued by the secretary of the GCZMA Michael D'Souza, structures built on the property measuring 547.82 sq metres, on which both clubs are built, are illegal. The GCZMA order dated Nov 3, a copy of which is with IANS, directs David D'Souza, the owner of Club Tito's and Mambos to demolish the illegal structures within 20 days.

The order reads: "... are directed to remove all structures which are found to be in excess of the Goa State Committee on Coastal environment (GSCCE) plans... which is identified to be an area of 547.82 sq mts and also the plinth area structures, kadappa tiles at ground level, concrete steps, which are not in accordance with the GSCCE plans and also other structures that are not approved within 20 days."

The order warns that if the owner failed to comply, GCZMA would direct a state agency to demolish the structure. The secretary has said in his order that the illegal constructions fall in CRZ III zone, where no kind of development activity is allowed.

The order follows an inspection by GCZMA officials, who were directed by the Panaji bench of the Bombay High Court in March this year, to examine and file a report on the alleged illegality within three months. The court was hearing a petition by Ravindra Jana, who had alleged the illegalities of the night clubs.

Both Club Tito's and Mambos are located in the Calangute-Baga beach belt, which sees the bulk of Goa's two million tourists annually. Both night clubs are visited by celebrities and are a favourite with the young, urban weekend tourists from the metros in India.

--IANS