Team Herald

MARGAO: Tourism Minister Manohar Babu Ajgaonkar has assured to go out of his way to protect the Goans carrying out shack business. 

He has also assured to solve CRZ issues affecting shack business and development of tourism. 

The minister made the assurances when the shack owners met Ajgaonkar, on Saturday at his residence, and congratulated him for drafting the Goa Shack Policy expeditiously. 

Shack Owners Welfare Society President Cruz Cardozo said, “It is for the first time ever that the shack policy has been passed in August and we thank the tourism minister for this big boost to shacks businesses.”

Ajgaonkar said, “I want the Goans to prosper in the shack business. However, I will definitely take immediate action if there are erring shack owners. 

The minister also urged the shack owners to cooperate with the government in maintaining discipline on the beachs. “Discipline the tourists who drink on the beach and create garbage. Segregate and maintain your garbage. Keep an eye on the hawkers and also give ID cards to your employees. CCTV also needs to be installed,” the tourism minister said. 

Ajgaonkar also asked to the shack owners to help the government to curb the drug menace by inform him (the minister) or the chief minister or other authorities as and when they learn about someone peddling in drugs. “We will take immediate action on your complaints and your identity will be protected,” the minister said. 

The Tourism Minister has also assured to also solve the CRZ issues surrounding shack and other development permissions. 

“I have urged the MLAs of coastal constituencies to get NOCs for the development of beach areas. The Department has a lot of funds for development for the beaches of Goa,” he added.