In preparation for the upcoming tourist season, the Tourism Department has moved a proposal to allow beach shacks to be built higher than before. At present the permitted height is 5.5 metres, but the department wants this raised to nine metres and has therefore suggested changes to the Beach Shack Policy 2023–26.
For the amendments to take effect, the department has approached the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) and asked for a no-objection certificate. The request has been placed to bring the shack policy in line with the Goa Erection of Shacks on Public Beaches (Regulation and Control) Act, 2024.
The law specifies the conditions for temporary or seasonal structures, other than shacks, permitted by the Tourism Department. It restricts construction to only one-third of the total plot area and makes it compulsory for such structures to have an access of at least three metres.
Along with the proposal, the department explained to GCZMA that beach shacks are normally put up in compliance with guidelines issued by various authorities, including the coastal body, the Ministry of Environment and Forests, and the Pollution Control Board.
It has also pointed out that eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, wooden poles and thatched palm leaves are generally used for erecting shacks.
“However, in case of paucity of wood, the shacks are erected out of the other modern materials like steel, synthetic, nylon fabric, etc for the purpose of framework, due to unpredictable weather conditions,” the department stated, while adding that the use of concrete material for shack structures remains completely prohibited.