PERNEM
With authorities cracking down and sealing beach shacks illegally operating along the Candolim-Calangute coast for operating without approval of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), alarm bells of similar action have begun ringing along the Mandrem coast.
Sixteen beach shacks do not have NOC from the GSPCB and the shack operators are a worried lot as a similar action awaits their structures.
Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar said he has discussed the matter with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and GSPCB officials.
“I am optimistic that the State government will offer some support and protection to these shack operators. If the shacks are sealed and shut during the tourist season, several lives and livelihoods will be affected,” said Arolkar.
When contacted, Pernem Mamlatdar Anant Malik said directives regarding the sealing of shacks has not reached his office yet.
“Hence, a specific date cannot be given to initiate this action,” said Malik.
