NT Reporter
Margao
Shack owners along Goa’s coastline are optimistic about a timely start to the tourism season as the state government has initiated the demarcation process for beach shacks
earlier than usual.
Provisional licenses are also being issued simultaneously with demarcation, a move welcomed by shack operators. This proactive approach follows a meeting last month between representatives of the Shack Owners Welfare Society and the Chief Minister and Tourism Minister, during which the shack owners highlighted the need for a simpler and faster licensing process.
Responding to these concerns, the Tourism Department began the demarcation work last week—several weeks ahead of last year’s schedule, which didn’t begin until September. While the process is still under way, some coastal stretches have already seen shacks demarcated and provisional licenses handed out. In areas where the sea level remains high, officials are expected to resume the process once conditions improve. Meanwhile, in demarcated zones, several shack owners have already started setting up their temporary structures in anticipation of
the tourist influx.
Cruz Cardozo, president of the Shack Owners Welfare Society, praised the revised process, stating, “The decision to combine the granting of provisional licenses with the demarcation this year has made it much easier for us shack owners. We can start putting up the structures if the conditions are good and then apply for the
final licenses.”
The tourism department is also addressing other longstanding issues raised by shack owners, including illegal subletting and the lack of sewage disposal infrastructure along
the beaches. “The department has been taking strict action against those who were found subletting their shacks, especially to outsiders. We are also working on the issue of sewage infrastructure because that is something that is much needed today,”
Cardozo added.
With an early start and key concerns being tackled, shack owners are cautiously optimistic about a successful and more organised tourism season ahead.
