Team Herald
MARGAO: The demarcation of shacks on the beaches in South Goa commenced on Monday, which was welcomed by the shack operators. It may be recalled that the shack operators had earlier sent a list of demands to the Tourism Department which included a plea for starting the demarcation in the first week of September.
The shack owners had also asked that they be taken into confidence during the shack demarcation process as well. Shack Owners Welfare Society (SOWS) president Cruz Cardozo said that everything went well with regards to the demarcation process and they were very satisfied with how quickly the department conducted the process.
Cardozo said that this is the first time in years that the demarcation process began in the first few days of September, as opposed to previous seasons where the demarcation would begin either towards the end of September or mid-October.
He pointed out that last year the demarcation process commenced in November, which caused a considerable delay.
He said that after the Tourism Department granted them the provisional licence, which was also done in advance, they have been able to approach all the departments concerned well in time to apply for the various permissions and NOCs that are required.
Cardozo also praised the panchayats across Benaulim constituency for their support in this regard and for giving the permissions quickly too. Cardozo hoped that this will be the standard in future too.
He added that now it depends on how quickly individual shack owners can put up their shacks. Cardozo felt the first shacks could be up by September 15.
A few issues were left for some shack owners, who are trying to find a quick resolution with the Tourism Department.