Goa, 8th August 2024- The Goa Erection of Shacks on Public Beaches (Regulation and Control) Bill, 2024
was passed at the assembly on August 7th 2024, making erection of structure with prescribed
specification 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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