PANJIM: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has issued notices to the Central and the State governments in connection with a petition challenging the order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) staying implementation of Shack Policy 2019-22 until finalisation of Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP).
The petition filed by All Goa Shack Owners Welfare Society on Wednesday has pleaded before the court that the NGT order would affect their business largely considering that tourist season begins next month. When the matter came up for hearing on Thursday, the bench issued notices to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Goa government and two natives of Kerala Mehdab and Girly John while adjourning the matter to September 24 for hearing.
Meanwhile, a group of shack operators expressed concern on the delay in finalising CZMP stating loss of business will affect the livelihood of their families.
“The last shack season (September 2018 to May 2019) saw an early call off due to the reduction of chartered tourists and restrictions due to the general elections. The current season was expected to recover this loss of business and revenue. The delay by the State in finalising CZMP will result in a major loss of business for many local families. It will also lead to reduction in employment for locals and an expected loss of revenue upto Rs 150 to 200 crore,” a press release issued by the stakeholders concerned stated.
To accommodate and facilitate the tourists, the State introduced the Beach Shack Policy in 2011 offering special shack licences to the locals from September to May. Under this policy, from 2016 to 2019, the government issued a total of 364 shack licences. The press release further states that over the years, these shacks have generated business and employment for hundreds and thousands of locals, with an average revenue generation upto Rs 40 to 50 lakh per shack annually.
“The NGT order on State’s application seeking extension of time for finalising CZMP might push the start of 2019-20 season to mid-November, resulting in major loss of business for many local families, worsening their situation. The NGT has been granting extensions to the government reluctantly in view of difficulties expressed from time-to-time,” it added.
“With over 3800 hotels for accommodating guests, the shacks and tents on the beaches have accommodated thousands of tourists from across the world. Two straight years of loss may further result into a reduction of licence applications and can affect the tourism industry in coming years,” the release said.
