Team Herald
PANJIM: Shack owners are elated over the early issue of provisional shack license. Armed with the permission from Tourism Department, shack owners have commenced setting up structures along the beaches, which until last year was a much-delayed process.
“We have already begun erecting shacks on the beaches, however, some are waiting till the weather is clear. The tourism season will begin in time unlike the last few years,” President of the Goa Shack Owners Welfare Association Cruz Cardozo told Herald. Further procedures will follow in the next couple of days, he said.
A senior tourism official said that provisional licenses have been granted to only those who have made payments towards the renewals.
“The areas have also been demarcated to each shack operator, for erecting the shacks. An inspection will be carried out after the structures are erected, and then the regular NOC will be granted,” he added.
The tourist season begins on October 1 when Goa will receive its first charter flight from Russia.
Tourism Minister Manohar Azgaonkar had assured shack operators of an expeditious process this season following demands to grant beach shack licenses before the commencement of the season. Shack operators had been complaining that delayed government procedures hampered their businesses.
Tourism Department had also appealed to operators to comply with all environmental requirements so that cleanliness and hygiene is maintained on the beaches while also directing shack operators not to violate rules or regulations.
