Goa shack owners are vehemently opposed to the proposal of setting up four model shacks of one-plus-one each. Shacks owners fear that this is a ploy to bring in big players with deep pockets who will muscle out the traditional shack owners. The Goa govt has decided to set up four model shacks on the beaches of Goa, two in the north and two in the south districts. It proposes to invite tenders from interested parties to construct the shacks.. I feel that the govt's intention to infuse value addition to the shack business is good. However, instead of going in for the one-plus-one model, the govt should pump more money in adding value to the existing traditional shacks by building better infrastructure. Govt may even consider increasing the height of shacks by a foot and lowering the height of beach umbrellas by a foot, if possible, so as to give tourists a better view of the beach. Protecting such plus one shacks against the vagaries of weather will be a difficult and expensive proposition. Moreover, a fire in such structures can prove to be a death trap.
