Team Herald
PANJIM: The State government has not increased the application fees for beach wedding and private events to Rs 1 lakh per day. The notification issued regarding scrutiny fees for the applications submitted to the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) on September 19, had typographical errors, according to Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira.
Sequeira said the beach wedding fees will remain as notified in January 2024, i.e. Rs 1 lakh for five days and Rs 10,000 for every additional day. As per the September 19, 2024 notification, for all types of applications, the government had introduced 10 per cent scrutiny fees for revision of plans and also introduced additional categories such as hoardings where the scrutiny fees would be applicable.
“I have to admit that there was a typographical error while typing the notification. The truth is there is no hike at all and the prevailing fees continue as per the notification issued in January 2024. It was a mistake and everything is the same. There is no change,” reiterated Sequeira.
The GCZMA will charge Rs 50,000 per day as fees towards granting permission for beach weddings.
A 75 per cent concession in fees will be given to government corporations, autonomous bodies, charitable trusts, educational institutions and sports event organisers, he said.
In addition to beach weddings, the updated fee structure had introduced charges for various coastal activities and temporary structures. These included security fees for hoardings, sheds, and fabricated swimming pools, as well as a 10% scrutiny fee for plan revisions. The revised fees took effect on September 19.
Many venue owners and event companies had voiced concerns over the sharp rise in fees. They feared the increased costs would push customers to choose more affordable destinations, both within India and internationally.
Goa, known for its thriving beach wedding industry, may lose out to other beach locations that can offer more competitive prices. Industry insiders warned that this shift could negatively impact those directly or indirectly involved in the wedding and events business in the state.