Steena Joy – Panaji
The shacks on the beaches of Goa have long been popular hotspots for tourists thronging the beach destination. However, every year (now three years) the shack owners have to go through a nerve racking and cut throat experience – that of allotment of temporary licences issued by the state government.
Speaking exclusively to Express TravelWorld, Cruz Cordozo, president, Shack Owners Welfare Society of Goa (SOWS Goa) said, “The temporary licences are issued by a draw of lots, like a lottery. Those who get it are lucky. Shacks are a unique aspect of Goa, but big hotels and beach resorts see us as a threat to their business.”
There are nearly 360 shacks scattered over the numerous beaches of the state. SOWS Goa has around 325 members. The three-year beach shack policy 2013-16 for erection of temporary shacks ended on May 31, 2016 and no new policy is in sight so far. The policy introduced by the Government of Goa had replaced the earlier one-year licences with three-year licences. However, though the licence is valid for three years, the temporary structures are allowed only from September 1 to May 31 every year. Whether the government will continue with the same policy or come out with a fresh one is anyone’s guess.
Cordozo and his members want the government to issue them permanent licences of at least 10 years. “Every time we have to wait and see if we get the licence. If the allotment process is delayed like it has this year, we cannot put up our structures in time for the tourist season which begins in October. We are only asking the government to give us permanent licences and not permanent structures,” he informed.
SOWS Goa is a registered body, but it is the first time the government invited it for a meeting recently. “We have made several representations to the government about the licences, but it does not appear to be serious about resolving the issue,” revealed Cordozo.
Permanent licences will benefit the shack owners immensely. “It will help us get loans from banks for renovating or refurbishing our shacks. With temporary licences this is not possible,” pointed out Cordozo.