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PANJIM: The Goa Tourism Department has issued show cause notices to 99 beach shack operators for allegedly violating the State’s policy. The Tourism Department has been allotting shacks to locals on beaches under the Beach Shack Policy.
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During a surprise inspection conducted by the Tourism Department across the State, as many as 99 beach shacks, including 80 in North Goa stretches found to have violated shack policy mostly subletting. As a result, show cause notices have been issued to the violators.
During the inspection, authorities identified a total of 80 cases of violations, including subletting, in North Goa alone. Notices have been issued to these shacks under the Goa State Shack Policy. In South Goa, 19 shacks were found to be violating the regulations. The inspections were conducted to verify illegalities and ensure compliance with the policy.
Officials from the Department of Tourism stated that show cause notices have been issued, and these shack operators will be given an opportunity to present their case during the hearings scheduled for the last week of February. As of now, no penalties have been imposed, and the hearing process is ongoing. Further details on the number of shacks sublet to non-Goans and the professions of those involved are yet to be confirmed, it was informed.
Authorities emphasized that regular inspections will continue, and action will be taken against any violations detected in the future. In regards to the mechanisms in place to track such violations, the department has maintained that periodic regulatory checks and inspections are being carried out to monitor compliance.
Currently, data regarding the number of applications on the waiting list for shack allocation in North Goa is being compiled. Officials also clarified that notices have been issued based on the violations identified during inspections. The department reiterated its commitment to enforcing the Goa State Shack Policy to maintain the integrity of the State’s tourism sector.
The incident of subletting shacks had come to light following the killing of a youth at Arambol beach on January 26. The department had permitted erection of 363 shacks along the beach stretches of Goa.
