the goan I network
PANAJI
Taking serious cognizance of reports of ‘defiance’ by shack operators who are violating norms of the shack policy, Minister for Tourism, Manohar “Babu” Ajgoankar has assured locals from the Baga-Sinquerim stretch that tough action will be taken against the violators and violations brought to his notice by them.
“I will not tolerate this defiance of the shack operators as well as the dereliction of duty by officials of the department by not clamping down on the same. I have directed the Department of Tourism to act immediately against any such violation of norms under the shack policy,” Ajgaonkar said in statements released to the media.
Ajgaonkar, in a statement issued on Friday, said that he would direct the Department of Tourism, to crack the whip on erring shack operators, failing which he would hold the department accountable and responsible.
“I will look into the complaints and issues raised by locals in the North Goa coastal stretch and will move for action against the offenders and also the Department staff for failing to nip the issues at the right time,” he reiterated.
That shack operators continue business after permissible hours, and several other violations are not in the true spirit of healthy tourism practices and that the government is serious on action against anyone encouraging and deflecting from acting against such violations as well, he said.
Ajgaonkar said strict monitoring of tourism activities would take place not only in north coastal areas but along the entire coastal stretch.
He also urged the Goa Police to keep a tight vigil along the beach belt and swoop down on illegal activities and violations and to act against those breaking the law and bringing disrepute to Goa.
Earlier in January, the GCZMA found that several private shacks had violated the CRZ notification as, during the site inspections, the members from GCZMA had observed that either the applicant was in process of erecting shacks or huts or tents or had already finished erecting the same, before the process could be initiated.
The GCZMA then decided not to consider such applications of applicants and decided to direct them to remove or dismantle the structures by February 28 submit compliance for further consideration.
