the goan I network
MAPUSA
A delegation of shack owners from Ashvem, Mandrem, Harmal and Morjim on Monday urged Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo to request the Union Ministry of Forests and Environment to direct the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) not to enforce the removal of beach shacks on private land in the State.
A delegation met Lobo at his Calangute office and submitted a memorandum in this regard.
The GCZMA and tourism department had directed private shack owners to close their business after the tourism season, prompting some shack owners to petition the National Coastal Authority (NCA) to direct GCZMA to allow them keep their shacks after the season is over.
The NCA issued a draft notification in this regard and the final notice was expected.
“I have given the required information on private shacks on private land and have requested the Central Forest and Environment Ministry to issue a final notice within the next 15 days to give relief to the shack owners,” said Lobo.
“The NCA issued a draft notification on April 25, 2016, but the final notification is not issued as yet. As the sword hangs on the heads of shack owners, I have requested the Forest and Environment Ministry through email and fax to issue the notification within the next 15 days. A copy was also sent to the environment secretary and PMO,” Lobo told media persons.
Anil Gad, Mukund Gad, Girish Naik, Premnath Shetgaokar and Vishal Simepurushkar were part of the delegation which met Lobo.
