Private beach shacks are under a lot of pressure after the National Green Tribunal observation that no development can be permitted in a no development zone (NDZ), particularly where there exists a sand dune. Specifically, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has been directed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to file an affidavit on its policy of giving NOCs for shacks. Also according to sources, the Tourism Department has asked private shack operators to obtain NOC from the GCZMA, linking the release of previous year’s security deposits (2013-14) to submission of the NOC.
The Private Shack Owners Association has decided to approach the NGT. Also at a recent joint meeting between the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa and the Private Shacks Association, a decision was taken to back the GCZMA and other relevant authorities in fighting the case at the NGT. The private shack owners had earlier decided to file an intervention application along with Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) before the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
There are at least 400 private shack operators along with beaches and all have come under the ambit of the latest directive of the NGT.
