CANACONA:
According to sources, Palolem beach is worst affected as several tourists turn back after finding no accommodation at the beach. Those involved in tourism business claim that they are simply unable to provide accommodation, while authorities are refusing to issue NOCs.
There are allegations from tourists that rentals in some hotels along Canacona’s coast are as high as Rs 4,500, prompting most to leave for other destinations for an overnight stay.
“The reason for this is that the government is yet to come up with the shack policy, making it impossible for local bodies to issue licences. The tourism season is already underway and locals are eager to complete the licensing formalities. But the local bodies are also helpless in the absence of a shack policy,” stated All Goa Private Properties Shacks and Huts Owners Association Vice-President Pankaj Naik Gaunkar.
Sources informed that acting on strictures by the National Green Tribunal in a case pertaining to Goa State on Environment (Protection) Act 1986, the GCZMA had issued directions to all concerned, including district and taluka magistrates, to stop operations and illegal and unauthorised constructions of temporary seasonal structures, shacks, huts, cottages and tents within CRZ area.
Acting on the directives, the Canacona deputy collector and other officials had visited the taluka and reportedly found several illegal construction sites, including some permanent in nature along the taluka’s coast. On finding a large number of unauthorised activities, the deputy collector issued verbal directions to stop construction activities along the coast, sources added.
With the NGT tightening screws on tourism activities in No-Development Zone (NDZ) in violation of CRZ norms, several tourism stakeholders in Canacona taluka are now apprehensive and fear a sharp drop in business during the season.
