Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jul 19: After initially raising concerns, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has granted Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance to the Goa Tourism Development Corporation’s (GTDC) proposal for model beach shacks at Colva, Benaulim, Arambol, and Calangute.

The approval was granted during a GCZMA meeting held on July 1, with strict conditions attached. The special purpose vehicle (SPV) of GTDC has been directed to restrict construction to a single ground floor level and follow the beach carrying capacity report.

The GTDC’s proposal includes constructing temporary model shacks made of composite bamboo, each covering 120 square metres. However, expert members of the GCZMA criticised the project’s claim of being "innovative", pointing out that conventional materials like mild steel and cement boards are still being used, and details regarding sewage and waste treatment remain lacking.

Earlier in May, the coastal authority had asked the GTDC to clarify how it plans to manage sewage treatment at the sites. During a site inspection, experts noted that parts of the proposed shack locations fall within no-development zones, intertidal zones, and even sand dune areas.

The GCZMA has categorically instructed that no shack should be built within the intertidal zone or on sand dunes. It also ruled out the use of concrete, even for structural support, and insisted that wind flow around dunes should remain unobstructed by fencing or other barriers.

While the CRZ clearance gives the GTDC a green signal to proceed, it remains under watch to ensure full compliance with the environmental safeguards imposed.