Panjim, March 4: Taking serious cognizance of defiance by shack operators in violating norms of the shack policy, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Mr. Manohar Ajgoankar has assured locals from the Baga-Sinquerim stretch of tough action against the violators and violations brought to his notice by them.
Mr. Ajgaonkar, in a statement issued recently, said that he would direct the Department of Tourism,Govt. of Goa to crack the whip on the erring shack operators, failing which he would hold the Department accountable and responsible for the same.
Taking serious cognizance of complaints from locals of Baga-Sinquerim on various issues affecting them due to unauthorized shack operations, Mr. Ajgaonkar said, ” I will not tolerate this defiance of the shack operators as well as the dereliction of duty of the Department in not clamping down on the same. I have directed the Department of Tourism to act immediately against any such violation of norms under the shack policy.”
“I will look into the complaints and issues raised by the locals in the North Goa coastal stretch and will move for action against the offenders and also Department staff for failing to nip the issues at the right time,” he reiterated.
That shack operators continue business after permissible hours, and several other violations reported by the locals, he said is not in the true spirit of healthy tourism practices and that the government is serious on action against anyone encouraging and deflecting from acting against such violations as well.
Mr. Ajgaonkar said that strict monitoring of tourism activities would take place not only in the North coastal areas but along the entire coastal stretch.
Mr Ajgaonkar also urged the Goa Police to keep a tight vigil along the beach belt and swoop down heavily against illegal activities and violations and to act against those breaking the law of the land and bringing disrepute to Goa.
