Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Monday announced that the existing shack policy has been extended for another year with the same terms and conditions after consultations between the Tourism Department and shack associations.
Addressing the media, Khaunte said the policy, which has been in force for the last three years, will continue unchanged, providing stability and clarity to shack operators ahead of the upcoming tourist season.
The minister also highlighted the government’s “Shackathon” initiative, under which selected beach stretches will be equipped with high-speed internet connectivity. The move is aimed at attracting digital nomads and remote workers, allowing visitors to work from beach shacks while enjoying Goa’s tourism offerings.
Khaunte said the Tourism Director has assured that the process for renewal of shack licences will commence shortly under the existing policy framework. He added that the department is committed to issuing permissions to all eligible applicants before August 15.
According to the minister, the timeline has been planned to ensure that all beach shacks are operational and ready to welcome tourists by September 1, ahead of the peak tourism season.
In a bid to strengthen monitoring and enforcement along the coastline, the Tourism Department will also deploy drone surveillance. The drones will be used to keep a watch on illegal touting activities, beach littering and encroachments, enabling authorities to take prompt action and maintain cleanliness at tourist destinations.
Khaunte said the measures form part of the government’s broader efforts to improve beach management, enhance visitor experience and ensure sustainable tourism practices across Goa.
