PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has issued a notice to the Tourism Department over the State government’s decision to extend the existing Goa Beach Shack Policy for another year instead of introducing a new policy. The matter has been posted for hearing on August 12.
The notice was issued on Monday, weeks after the government decided to continue the policy governing beach shacks for the 2026-27 tourism season on the same terms and conditions, even though its three-year term ended in May.
In June, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said the government decided to extend the policy after consulting tourism officials and shack operators. He said the extension would provide stability to the tourism sector.
Under the extension, shack operators have also been allowed to continue operations until June 10 instead of the usual May 31 closure, subject to weather conditions.
The government said it would use the additional year to strengthen measures to reduce plastic use, encourage sustainable alternatives at beach shacks and promote its regenerative tourism policy. It also assured operators that renewal permissions would be issued before August 15 so they would be ready for the tourism season beginning in September.
