MARGAO
Even as the Tourism department has decided to kick-start the exercise to demarcate the shacks next week, shack owners under the banner of Shack Owners Welfare Society have urged the Director of Tourism for an extension of the payment date for shacks owners to enable them to participate in the upcoming season.
While appreciating the department’s timely acceptance of payments for the forthcoming season, Society President Cruz Cardozo, however, said “We also recognize that some shack owners who did not have licenses last year may face difficulties in making timely payments. In light of this, we kindly request an extension of the payment date for these shack owners to accommodate their circumstances and enable them to participate in the upcoming season”.
The Society has also urged the department to consider the involvement of shack owners in the demarcation process to ensure transparency and address any concerns that may arise. This collaboration will benefit both the authorities and the shack owners by maintaining the balance between tourism development and coastal conservation, he said.
In the letter, the Shack Owners Welfare Society has thanked the Tourism department for the
timely acceptance of payments for the forthcoming season, saying the proactive approach of the Tourism Director has been highly appreciated by the shack owners, as it ensures a smooth start to our operations.
The Society had dashed a letter to the Tourism Director with a plea to address important matters concerning the demarcation of beach shacks, the issuance of licenses, and the extension of payment deadlines for the upcoming tourist season, as per the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification and the Beach Shacks Policy 2023-2026.
According to the policy and CRZ guidelines, the tourist season is officially designated to begin in September and extend until May 31st each year. It is essential to have clear and timely demarcation of beach shacks to ensure that all operations are aligned with these regulations and that the shack owners can prepare accordingly”, Cardozo said.
In addition to the demarcation, the society pointed out that some shack licenses were not issued in the previous season due to various reasons. He requested the Director to ensure these pending licenses are issued promptly for the forthcoming season. This will allow shack owners to comply with necessary regulations, acquire all required permits, and set up operations smoothly, he added.
