The Goan: Why have the shack owners reacted so sharplyagainst the new Shack Policy?
Cruz Cardozo: People across Goa have high expectation fromthis government and so did we. Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar promised us aunique shack policy in July asserting that there would be stability in theshack business. We were promised ten year licences on a rotation basis whichmeant; we could invest long term, take loans from banks. The policy wasannounced without consulting his ministers and MLAs from the coastal belt?
TG: Why do you have a problem with GTDC owning a shack atShantwaddo, Baga?
CC: I was approached by a company called Role Model Shacksfrom Gujarat who wanted to run my shack for a sum of Rs 50,000 a month. Ideclined. The “outside” party will first run the GTDC shack, which they willget by auction. They will then find ways to force us to sublet our shacks tothem. Let the traditional shack owner be guaranteed of his licence every year,while a few are allotted to new comers.
TG: Tourists complain about increase in beach beds. Youinsist that 10 beds be allowed.
CC: The government wants to reduce beach bed from 20 to 5.We want them to be reduced to 10. The problem is at Baga and because of Baga,Goan shacks across the coastline should not suffer. Tourism department hasfailed to catch private parties who install beach beds and umbrellas when theydon’t even have a shack on certain beaches.
TG: What is the Surprise Inspection Committee that you shackowners demand?
CC: The new policy says that a regular inspection will beheld and if the shack owner is not available on three different occasions thenthe shack will be demolished under subletting breach. This clause will be usedto target shack owners. How can I be there, if the inspection takes place at 9am? Who will buy my daily fish and groceries to run the shack? Another clausesays to compulsorily appoint a Manager and Assistant Manager at the shackfailing which licence will be revoked. If I pay both these staff, why am Irequired to be there all the time? The shack policy contradicts itself in manyways which is a clear sign of targeting us.
TG: What about sewage on the beach. There are severalcomplaints from locals
CC: Government wants us to install a chemical toilet, whichis an investment while the lottery policy doesn’t ensure a shack. Beaches arefilthy with garbage and paper plates even in the off season. Violation by onehotel doesn’t mean shut down the entire industry. Plug the loopholes. Thisshack policy is influenced by the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa whichwant to focus on the big shack
TG: What about the garbage and issues of shacks sellingdrugs?
CC: Give us a long term licence. We will install a crusherbehind the shacks and treat our wet garbage. We appeal to the government tofirst give every village a garbage sorting unit or a dumping site. Then let’sall join hands and clear Goa’s mess. Russians, Delhites, Gujaratis are runningshacks in Baga, Anjuna and Calangute. These shacks are sublet by Goans whocan’t make profit, as they have to invest over ten lakhs in a shack. Let’s forma Surprise Inspection Committee with Police, Tourism Department and TraditionalShack Owners and come down heavily on these drug selling shacks.
