TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The state cabinet approved the Goa Beach Shack Policy 2013-16 on Wednesday which makes it mandatory to install CCTVs, construct green (eco-friendly) toilets, and hikes licence fees for shacks by Rs 5000 each year.
The policy has created four categories for shacks allotment, based on the experience of operators.
A total of 347 temporary shacks will be permitted along Goa’s beaches, with 240 in north Goa and 107 in south Goa.
While most of the terms and conditions are similar to the 2012-13, this year the Tourism Ministry is giving a three year licence for shacks. However, every temporary shack will have to be removed on May 31 during each of the three years and can be erected before the season begins on September 15.
According to the allotment pattern, 60 per cent of shacks will be allotted to those having experience of seven years and above, 20 per cent for those having experience between four to six years, 10 per cent to those having experience of one to three years and 10 per cent for new comers through draw of lots.
The new comers will however be given a one year licence only and this category will be subjected to fresh draw of lots every subsequent year.
The policy does not permit sub-leasing of shacks and while no foreigners can operate a shack even if they have business visas, the government is not going to accept any partnership deals between original shack owners and foreign nationals for operation shacks The beach shack structures will be of 18 meters by 8 meters and no shacks are going to be permitted a mezzanine floor or an additional floor.
The shacks on A stretches will be charged Rs 45,000 for the first year, Rs 50,000 in the second year and Rs 55,000 in the third year. For shacks on B stretches the fee is Rs 30,000, Rs 35,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively.
The shacks have to ensure that the areas around their shacks are clean and take measures for collection of garbage in bins, ensure no waste water is discharged and have to install portable toilets and proper sewerage collection and disposal systems.
The policy has made it compulsory for shack operators to keep CCTV recordings for 30 days at a time and submit it to authorities as and when required. The shack operators will have to install the CCTVs at their own cost.
The policy also warns of stern action for violations and loss of security deposit and other penalties.
For shacks and huts in private property, the policy specifies that they will have to be registered every year under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act.
Those applicants interested in erecting a temporary shed to store their equipment/undertake water sports activities within the marked zone for the purpose, shall be permitted to do so on payment of a fee of Rs10,000- per year for an area not more than 10×10 metres and shall submit a refundable security deposit of Rs 25,000.
