PANJIM: Illegalities on the coastline, particularly those involving beach shacks, will soon be detected electronically, as the Tourism Department has plans to launch the Integrated Beach Management Plan with Geographic Information System to capture, store and display topographical information.
The plan’s draft expression of interest (EOI) – expected to be released within the next fortnight – also holds importance as it will undertake a detailed study of the carrying capacity of the beaches, besides protecting threatened areas such as the beach ecosystem.
“The illegal extension of shacks, increase in deck beds and their positioning close to the shore will be captured through this electronic surveillance facility. This evidence is sufficient to prosecute violators,” Tourism Director Ameya Abhyankar told Herald. The service will interestingly not require physical presence of tourism officials to verify various kinds of illegalities on the beaches.
He said that the concept of carrying capacity was discussed to avoid saturation levels that put natural systems at risk and disturb the users’ quality of enjoyment. “The study will suggest how many shacks, deck beds, tables and chairs can be accommodated on each beach besides deciding the number of water sports operators who can operate from a specific location,” the director added.
The project is also an attempt for sustainable utilization of beaches through scientific planning whilst also taking care of security on beaches. “The pressing matters are detecting high tide and low tide areas, protecting vegetation and sand dunes, and also the interest of all shack owners whose livelihood is dependent on this business,” Abhyankar said.
The laying of power line, sewerage evacuation system, streamlining water supply system, broadband connectivity and security measures such as installation of CCTVs at prime locations are other facets of the plan, which the department wishes to integrate into the proposed Master Plan for tourism, though a final call is awaited.
In reply to a query whether the plan would include upgradation or creation of new tourism infrastructure, Abhyankar said their primary concern is to improve existing beach infrastructure and services before proceeding in other directions.
The plan incidentally comes when shack operators have accused tourism officials of harassing them by demolishing their temporary sheds and deck beds.
