Team Herald
MARGAO: Shack operators from across Goa met Tourism Department officials in Panjim this week, flagging serious concerns about this season’s challenges and offering suggestions for the
upcoming one.
The meeting was held in two parts — an initial session with Tourism Director Kedar Naik and a follow-up chaired by Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte. Both sides described the interaction as a routine consultation to review operations.
Post-meeting, members of the Goa Shack Owners Welfare Society highlighted a range of issues — foremost among them, the increasing threat posed by aggressive stray dogs on beaches.
“Sterilisation alone isn’t enough,” said one shack owner, acknowledging the ongoing Mission Rabies campaign but demanding parallel action to identify and remove aggressive dogs. “We need a focus on tourist safety.”
They also demanded a single-window system for shack licence approvals, streamlined tax procedures, and clearer regulations.
The operators pushed back against the narrative blaming unlicensed masseurs and hawkers for declining tourist numbers. “Enforcement needs to focus on the real problems,” one operator said, pointing instead to illegal touts and prostitution rackets which, they argue, are fleecing tourists and damaging Goa’s image.
Infrastructure failings were another flashpoint. Shack owners slammed the deplorable state of public toilets and changing rooms, with some falling into disuse just a few years after installation. At Baga, they alleged a borewell dug for a government facility has resulted in open sewage discharge, while similar requests from shack owners are denied under CRZ norms.
Tourism Director Naik conceded issues at “one or two locations” but insisted most facilities are operational. He said the department is replacing contractors and enhancing monitoring.
The association also revived a long-pending proposal for a shared sewage pipeline network for beach shacks, an idea first floated by former Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral. Under this, each shack would be metered and charged for usage. Shack owners urged its implementation before the next season.
Access roads and beachfront lighting also came up, with calls for better walkways and limits on vehicle access to reduce overcrowding. “Tourists enjoy walking on and around the beach. We need to preserve that experience,” said a member.
While the issue of illegal subletting of shacks was not discussed at this meeting, shack owners reiterated that only Goans should be allowed to operate them. Director Naik confirmed that the department had already initiated action against some violators and would carry out further inspections.