PANAJI
The Shack Owners Welfare Society (SOWS) has petitioned the State government opposing the Tourism Department’s decision to introduce ‘model’ shacks on the beaches of Goa.
The department last month had announced introducing four ‘model’ shacks, worth Rs one crore each, to be subsequently leased to the highest bidder in a bid to generate higher revenue for the State.
The upcoming project is expected to give tough competition to the existing shacks, which have been one of the main tourist attractions.
In the petition to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, the SOWS expressed disappointment over the decision.
“The shacks are one of the few businesses in the coastal areas which are still in the hands of local people on the basis of the assurances given by various governments that tourism shall benefit the locals. Therefore we oppose such model Shack policy adopted by Department of Tourism,” reads the petition by SOWS President Cruz Cardozo.
The SOWS has further sought to streamline the shack policy including commencing the allotment from April till the end of May, to ensure the allottees can make arrangements to start their annual business by the second week of September. Cardozo said the government should also expedite the issuance of licenses and demarcation.
“It is also important that the allotted shack places as per the Tourism Department must be incorporated in GPS so that variations and encroachments can be identified. The Tourism Department must make provision for collection of sewage waste periodically because due to lack of motorable access it is not possible for each shack owner to cart away the waste. Besides, electricity and water connections must be provided at the beach as soon as the licences are issued,” the petition further reads.
Cardozo also pointed out that the shack owners are totally opposed to the MPT interfering with beach shack policy for additional amount of fees.
“Thousand of Goans depend directly or indirectly on the beach shacks. Tourists coming to Goa also enjoy the ambience created by the beach shacks. Goa has gained positive reputation on account of the beach shacks which are run by locals. It is necessary while forming the policy that old beach shacks operated be considered as special category”, he added.
