Goa Assembly passes bill regulating beach shacks, ensuring sustainable tourism and compliance with Coastal Regulation Zone Notification.
GOA, INDIA – The Goa Erection of Shacks on Public Beaches (Regulation and Control) Bill, 2024 was passed at the assembly on August 7th 2024, making the erection of structure with the prescribed specifications of height, access and setback areas. This new legislation aims to provide a comprehensive framework for the regulation and management of temporary and seasonal structures on public beaches in accordance with the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification. Calangute MLA Michael Lobo praised and welcomed the decision of the Tourism Minister for the introduction of the very important bill.
The bill was introduced last Monday and was discussed on August 7th 2024 at the assembly, along with the ruling and opposition who contributed with their suggestion on the bill. This bill establishes specific regulations for the erection and management of temporary and seasonal structures on public beaches. Previously, there were no dedicated statutes governing these structures, which are permitted under the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification. The bill applies to beach shacks permitted by the Department of Tourism and erected on public beaches under the Goa Shack Policy. It also covers other temporary structures permitted by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority on public or private properties, in compliance with the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification.
To ensure comprehensive compliance, the following permissions are required under the bill: Director of Tourism: Permission to erect a temporary and seasonal structure. NOC & Trade License: Issued by the Village Panchayat/ Municipality, or City Corporation of Panaji. Health Compliance: NOC issued by the concerned Health Officer. Fire Safety Compliance: NOC or a certificate certifying compliance with the Goa, Daman and Diu Fire Force Act, 1986, issued by the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services. Excise Compliance: Excise license issued under the Goa Excise Duty Act, 1964.
The bill also provides for permissions for temporary and seasonal structures other than those permitted by the Department of Tourism. It mandates that all permissions, consents, or licenses required under any Central Legislation must be obtained by the allottee for each tourist season.
Additionally, to ensure environmental sustainability and restoration of natural sites, beach shacks must be dismantled to restore the beach sites to their original conditions on or before the 10th of June each year. Penalty of Rs. 5000/- will be imposed for each day beyond this deadline where dismantling is not carried out. Once the allottee has obtained all permissions as specified in the ordinance, the erection or operation of the beach shack shall be considered valid. Penalty of up to Rs. 3,00,000/- , which may extend, will also be imposed for breach of any law or conditions.
The Goa Erection of Shacks on Public Beaches (Regulation and Control) Bill, 2024, reflects the government’s commitment of clarity and ease of doing business, as it will help ease difficulties of shack owners on acquiring the NOCs. It also ensures sustainable tourism practices while balancing the needs of beach shack operators and preserving the natural beauty of Goa’s beaches. Additionally, the Department of Tourism announced the registration for the shack license renewal well in advance for the convenience of the shack owners. The new bill is a significant step forward in creating a structured and regulated environment for the thriving beach shack culture in Goa.
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