PANJIM: The Department of Tourism has invited applications for erection of temporary seasonal structures, beach shack deck beds and umbrellas for tourist seasons 2023-26 (for three years) following notifying of the Goa State Shack Policy.
A total 359 shacks including 254 on the beach stretches of North Goa district and 105 on the South Goa district will be allowed even as efforts are on to permit a total of 364 shacks this year. Applications are to be submitted latest by October 27. The draw of lots will be held on November 3.
Meanwhile, Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral along with officials of Department of Environment and GCZMA on Friday inspected Ozrant, Anjuna and Sauntavaddo, Calangute, following complaints by the shack operators.
Of the 359 shacks, 34 (approximately 10%) are to be allocated to applicants with experience of one to four years and another 34 are to be allocated to applicants without experience. Remaining 291 shacks will be allotted to experienced shack operators with experience of five years and above.
At Ozranta, the shack operators have demanded to increase number of shacks from three to eight while, they had complained about location at Sauntavaddo.
When contacted, Cabral said that he inspected both the places and following a report will issue directions to his department. The Minister was disappointed as no representative from the Department of Tourism remained present during the inspection. “I will seek explanation about this from Department of Tourism.” he told O Heraldo.
