PANJIM: With the three-year beach shack policy coming into force, the State government has finalised granting 364 temporary structures across the beach belt in the North and South districts. The government has also mandated installation of close circuit television cameras (CCTVs) in each shack, bio-chemical toilets as well as separate dustbins for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste; failing which the shack allottee will attract penal action.

As per the policy for 2019-2022, recently approved by the cabinet, an approximately 259 beach shacks in the north and 105 in south will be permitted on the identified beach areas. The policy, a copy of which is in possession of Herald, also mentions that the number of beach shacks on any particular beach stretch might vary on physical conditions and the directions of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority.

Even as the policy comprises of three years, the government stated that the temporary structures would be erected only from September 1 till May 31 of the particular season. “The shacks on the government property permitted shall be removed on May 31 of the respective years and the land restored to its original condition latest by June 10,” it states.

With the season set to commence next month, the policy has mandated the shack operators to maintain separate dustbins for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste with lids while also directing that segregated waste be handed over to the beach cleaning contractor. In addition to this, CCTV cameras and portable/bio-chemical toilets has been made compulsory.

In a new directive issued from this season, the government has warned of cancellation of licence if the customers are overcharged for food or drinks in the shacks. “The beach shack allottee shall provide printed bills to its customers for food, refreshment and drinks. The price of each item sold shall be displayed for information of general public. The customer shall not be charged more than the printed cost of items. Copy of such chart rate shall be provided to the (Tourism) Department for information and if any complaint of overcharging is received from any customer, the licence shall be liable to be cancelled,” it states.

On the setting up of beach beds, the cabinet has discussed that additional beach beds, tables and chairs can be put up depending on the beach carrying capacity.