“The inspection uncovered several breaches of the Goa Shack Policy, including instances of subletting. Consequently, show-cause notices have been issued to offenders,” a department spokesperson explained.
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The spokesperson added that shack operators would have the opportunity to present their defence. Regular inspections will continue, and further action will be taken if any violations are identified in the future.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Michael Lobo from Calagute said that the sale of idli-sambar in beach shacks was causing a “decline” in international tourist footfalls in the state. while addressing a press conference in North Goa, Lobo said the government alone cannot be blamed if fewer foreigners were visiting the coastal state as all stakeholders are equally responsible.
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Lobo rued that Goans have rented their beach shacks to businessmen from other places. “Some people from Bengaluru are serving ‘vada pav’ in shacks, some are selling idli-sambar. (That’s why) International tourism has been declining in the state for the past two years,” he said.
The legislator, however, did not elaborate on how the popular South Indian breakfast dish is affecting tourism in his state.
“There is a hue and cry because of the drop in tourist numbers. In the coastal belt, be it North or South, there has been a sharp fall in the arrival of foreign visitors. A lot of factors are responsible for this,” Lobo added, according to PTI.
Everyone, as stakeholders, should bear the responsibility for it, he said. Lobo said some foreigners visit Goa every year, but younger tourists from abroad are going away from the state.
Lobo said because of the Russian-Ukrainian war, tourists have stopped coming to Goa.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
