TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Shack operators may have to wait longer as the shack allotment process, initially slated for completion by mid September, may be delayed as the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has insisted on inspecting the beach belt before it gives its consent to the Beach Shack Policy 2013-16.
Other reasons that could delay the process for allotment, according to tourism department sources are the non-completion of the natural process of beach accretion and the likely continuation of the monsoons in October after the on-going dry spell.
The tourism department is now expecting the process for the draw of lots to take place only by September end.
A tourism department official said that the Coastal Regulatory Authority wants to conduct a foolproof exercise as the National Green Tribunal is closely monitoring coastal regulatory matters.
“The GCZMA has already begun its inspections of the beach belt from Tuesday and are expected to complete it by September 10-11,” said the official.
The application process would begin thereafter followed by the draw of lots tentatively scheduled for September end.
Similarly, the tourism ministry has also received several suggestions and recommendations from shack operators for increasing the number of shacks in the North and South coastal belt, which includes Calangute, Candolim, Baga and Colva, and other issues which are being deliberated upon by the tourism department.
This official said that hotels having adequate beach frontage have also sought for more deck beds, which may be considered on a case to case basis.
The tourism department pointed out that it would be treading cautiously on all such issues and would ensure that there will be no violations, congestion and there is total control of beach activities.
In addition to allotment of shacks, the tourism ministry is also demarcating areas for water sports and swimming zones.
The Beach Shack Policy will be placed before the High Court which is hearing a matter. “Once the GCZMA approves the policy and effects the necessary modifications the same will be placed before the court,” this official said.
The tourism department Tuesday convened a meeting with PSIs of respective police stations directing them to crack down on nuisance on the beaches. “The police have been directed to take serious note of illegal vending, lamanis, to ban alcohol and unauthorised photographers on the beaches,” said an official, adding that action would be taken against the law enforcing agency as well if they failed to crack the whip in their respective coastal areas.
