Goa Govt’s Decision To Modernise Traditional Beach Shacks Raises Concern Among Operators

PANAJI: The traditional stakeholders are concerned about a proposal by the Goa tourism agency to purportedly improve the layout and amenities of the shacks that are erected along Goa's beaches. 

They think the move is intended to displace the neighbourhood from the industry that belonged to the beach villages' original occupants, especially the fishing communities that have been erecting shacks since the 1970s. 

According to John Lobo, the secretary of the Shack Owners' Welfare Organisation, "this is nothing more than a backdoor entry for huge economic interests to join into the traditional shack business in the state of Goa.”

The Goa tourism department had announced plans to erect four "model beach shacks" along the state's beaches. These structures will be constructed of bamboo composite material and, unlike traditional shacks, will have a ground floor as well as one upper floor. Following that, the shacks will be leased to the highest bidders in a tender process that will be open to anybody who wants to bid and not only the Goan shack community, as is customary when bidding for beach shacks. 

"Goa's shack owners are pioneers in this line of work, not just in their own nation but also globally. Since the 1970s, we have operated shacks, giving Goa its distinct character.” Cruz Cardoso, the president of the All Goa Shack Owners Association, claimed that the government's sole track record was one of losses. But, before drafting any state policies, the state administration would consult with all tourism stakeholders, according to state tourism minister Rohan Khaunte.

 According to the current shack policy, applications from young Goans, preferably those who are unemployed, are requested. After a lottery is conducted, these applicants are given space to build shacks along the state's beaches. The construction of the shacks uses environmentally benign materials, often bamboo, coconut tree trunks, and wooden boards for the flooring.

 There are 359 shacks overall along the beaches, with roughly two-thirds of them located around the busier sections of north Goa.

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