PANAJI
The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) on Thursday granted permission for setting up 359 beach shacks for the current tourism season, which has kicked off from October first week.
The GCZMA during its meeting held on Wednesday approved the proposal sent by the tourism department to permit 359 beach shacks considering the beach carrying capacity. A total of 254 shacks are permitted along the coastal belts of North Goa while another 105 in South Goa.
As per the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) report on beach carrying capacity, total shacks permitted are 1131 for the State.
“The Authority in its 363rd meeting has considered the joint inspection report and assessment conducted with Goa State Pollution Control Board and has decided to grant permission for erection of beach shacks in the identified beach stretches as requested by the Department of Tourism,” the minutes of the meeting stated.
The Authority has granted liberty to the tourism department to seek permission for more shacks at identified beaches as recommended by the NCSCM.
A maximum number of 109 shacks are permitted along Calangute beach stretch and another 87 at Candolim. The shacks are directed to apply for Consent to Establish before erecting and subsequently obtain Consent to Operate from the Goa State Pollution Control Board under the Water Act and Air Act.
The Authority has not allowed any beach beds along the beach stretch of Morjim at Tembwada, as the said beach stretch is adjacent to an area demarcated for turtle nesting and along the beach stretches of Anjuna.
The shack operators have to make adequate arrangements for safe disposal of solid waste and sewage and ensure fire safety measures are in place and promote use of renewable energy.
