Goa wants relaxed coast zone norms for tourism growth

Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Tuesday sought relaxation in Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) norms to facilitate increasing flow of tourists to the state.

"Our state is a tourist destination, not just national but international. If you look at the trend in the last five-six years, the number of tourists to Goa is increasing. Therefore, a lot of infrastructure needs to be created both along the coastline and the hinterland. There are CRZ regulations in coastal areas, where some relaxation can be given," Parsekar told reporters.

The chief minister was speaking on the sidelines of a Western Zonal Council meeting of officials and political leaders from Gujarat, Goa, Maharashtra and Daman and Diu, chaired by union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Goa attracted over four million tourists last year, about 100 percent increase over the decade.

Parsekar said since the length and breadth of beaches in Goa could not be changed, existing CRZ laws could make exceptions for allowing infrastructure on beaches for use by tourists.

"Temporary cottages in particular have to be wound up at the end of the tourist season every year. It is a tedious and expensive process that leads to unnecessary financial losses. We are trying to make Goa a 12-month tourist destination; it (such structures) should not be dismantled," Parsekar said.