Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Shack operators of Goa today have expressed dissatisfaction with the latest Google map plan, urging their counterparts not to adhere to the mapping data from the previous tourism season of 2022-23.
A delegation representing establishments in Calangute, Baga, Vagator, and Anjuna along with MLA Michael Lobo today visited the Chief Minister residence.
The primary agenda was to request the demarcation of shacks in Saunta Vaddo, Calangute, and other coastal regions, aligning with the Google Map plan for 2022-23.
Cruz Cardozo, emphasized the need for a reevaluation, stating, “Unsatisfied with the new policy, shack owners want the government to stick to the old one.”
He further said that CM Sawant should give one final decision and finish the issue once for all otherwise will have file contempt petition for delay and not maintaining the HC verdict.
“Revert back to old plan, the CM had also pitched for old plan however his orders were not followed by Tourism and the state environment department.
He also said that delay in this process is loss of revenue for the state government.
“Revert back to old plan, we don’t know who is doing internal politics in this process. We dint have tourists for Dussehra and Diwali as there are no shacks on beaches,” he added.
The shack owners said that the potential impact of the new mapping plan on their businesses and the overall beach experience in North Goa.
The delegation is hopeful that MLA Michael Lobo’s intervention will lead to a resolution that accommodates both the government’s policies and the practical needs of shack owners.
The GCZMA has already granted its approval to erect 254 shacks along the beaches of North Goa and 105 shacks along the beaches of South Goa.
Also 10 per cent shacks are allocated to applicants with experience of one to four years and another 10 per cent to applicants without experience. Remaining shacks are allotted to experienced shack operators with experience of five years and above.
