Over 60 shacks blacklisted (Herald)

Over 60 shacks blacklisted July 20, 2013 TEAM HERALD PANJIM: More than 60 shacks have been blacklisted by the government for failing to comply with Tourism department’s directives for dismantling the structures during the off-season and they will face ban for the next season. Speaking at a press conference at Secretariat Friday, Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said around 60 to 70 shacks mostly located in private properties are either continuing their businesses or failed to demolish their structures despite strict instructions. “During inspections by tourism officials, it was found that many private shacks have not stopped operations. We have come to a decision to backlist these shacks and disallow their business for the coming tourist season…” he said. As per the guidelines, beach shack operators should demolish their structures by May 31 when the tourist season ends. Meanwhile, the government is yet to take a decision on the proposed CCTV cameras which has faced opposition from shacks owners. The beach shack policy released by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, last year had made CCTV cameras mandatory for each beach shack at the time of granting of license. Parulekar, allaying fears that it will reduce the number of visitors to shacks, said the security measure will instead help shack owners and the police, in case of any criminal activity, to keep a tab on the movements inside the shack. “There is no loss to the shack owners … As far as my personal opinion is concerned CCTVs should be installed in the shacks,” he said. At the same time, he has sought that Centre should share 30 percent financial burden in this project. During inspections, it was found that many private shacks have not stopped operations. We have come to a decision to backlist these shacks and disallow their business for coming tourist season… Parulekar said http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/Over-60-shacks-blacklisted/77143.html