CALANGUTE: Operators, who have been allotted shacks along Baga-Sinquerim beach belt, will be allowed to do business for only one season by the Tourism Department and not for 3 years like the rest of ‘lucky’ shack operators in the state.
And, so these Baga-Sinquerim shack operators are dejected a lot and feel ‘cheated.’ They said that when they submitted the affidavits and paid money, it was for three years – 2016-2019, and went on to question the sudden change in rules for them.
There are many new entrants in shack business this year along the Baga-Sinquerim beach belt. Some shack operators, who did not want to be named, said that many old timers and strong supporters of the local MLA “failed to get shacks allotted” to them. Some old-time shack operators said that they have made investment and it would be difficult for them to recover the money.
“Why the new rule is applicable only for the shack operators along the Baga and Sinquerim beach belt and not for others?” asked some shack operators.
Some shack operators said that those who have not succeeded in ‘getting’ shacks through lots may erect shacks with the blessings of local MLA and panchayats, and added that the tourism director needs to control the illegalities if it happen.
When contacted, Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said the it is a cabinet decision to allow operation of shacks only for one year in Baga-Sinquerim belt, and added that the GCZMA had raised objection over beach carrying capacity.
Peter Pereira from Calangute said that he is a new entrant this year, and added that “to allow shack operation for just one season is injustice to me and my family.”
“For many years, we tried to get into shack business, but this year we were lucky. But the decision to allow operation for one year only has come as dampener. How we will be able to recover the cost that is need to erect a shack? There is no problem for the old-timers,” Pereira added.
Another new entrant, Vasudev Haldankar said that “to erect a shack, it will take us at least 15 days and will cost Rs 5 lakhs. This month is gone, only in December we will get to earn. Then in January 2017, the code of conduct will be applicable as assembly election will be held. Then in March another code of conduct for panchayat elections will be in force. This is injustice meted out to us. The others got it for three years. Why this new rule for us?”
General Secretary of the Shack Welfare Society John Lobo said that the matter will be taken up with the government by the union once the demarcation of plots for shacks is done.