------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE TWO ROAD-BLOCKS
* Constitution of Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) yet to take place
* No shack can be set up on the beaches of Goa unless an NOC is obtained from GCZMA
* Final report from National Centre for Scientific Coastal Management (NCSCM) awaited
* Allocation of shacks impossible until beach arrying capacity report is on the table
* Notification constituting the GCZMA and NCSCM report expected in the coming days
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Goa Tourism department’s move to invite application for allocations from prospective shack operators for the 2016-19 seasons without the GCZMA being in place or the final report of the NCSCM on the table appears to be a gamble for time.
The department is hoping that while the shack owners fill in their applications, the two remaining impediments to granting the shack licences -- the National Centre for Scientific Coastal Management (NCSCM) report and constitution of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) -- will fall in place.
Both the notification constituting the GCZMA and the report of the NCSCM are expected to arrive in the coming days.
“We will wait for the final report from the NCSCM before granting any permissions,” Director of Environment Srinet Kothawale said adding that a notification constituting the GCZMA was also expected in the coming days.
The administrative process of the allocations began on October 19 with the Tourism Department inviting applications asking prospective shack owners to apply before October 28 has come on the heels of protests by shack owners accompanied by threats that they will set up their shacks without permissions.
Without an NOC from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority no shack can set up shop in the State. Delay in either would mean the allotment of shack licence would also be delayed.
Petitioner Aleixo Arnolfo Pereira, who had approached the NGT insisting that the State needs to do a carrying capacity study of the beaches before granting said that with the GCZMA not constituted the question of issuing permissions will not arise. The NGT upheld his contentions and in December 2014, directed to carry out the study as well as to map the sand dunes before granting shack permissions.
He had sought that the NGT direct the GCZMA not to issue NOCs/permissions to temporary seasonal shacks/huts/structures in inter tidal zone and No Development Zone (NDZ) In State of Goa shack season of 2016-2017 be granted to ensure that no contravention of the provisions relating to ban on seasonal shack is imposed.With the State dilly dallying in carrying out the study, and going ahead with shack permissions despite that, an enraged NGT threatened disciplinary action against the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority and decided that all NOCs issued by the GCZMA for shacks be declared as null and void and the structures demolished.
