“The NGT order, which called for the stoppage of operations of shacks which violated CRZ rules, makes it abundantly clear that the order pertains to temporary shacks and temporary huts in private properties. Despite this, shacks set up in the inter-tidal area on the public beach, under guidelines approved by the High Court, have been ordered closed. Government officials seem to have panicked and are more concerned about saving their skins and sealing the premises, without even understanding the order. Shack owners have been put to irreparable loss due to closure of the shacks, without any advance notice. One fails to understand how only in the villages of Majorda-Utorda, the shacks could be illegal, when there are hundreds of shacks operating similarly, all over.”
Against the decision to clamp down on shacks
Tourism’s most significant stakeholders – taxi operators and shack owners – are also the most politically influenced and influential. As the government vs shack owners tussle intensifies, no political party can afford to take a stand which harms and jeopardises the interests of this group. UGDP Vice President Radharao Gracias was the first off the block
