Goa tourism minister warns errant shack operators of action

Beach shack operators would face stringent action if they violated the rules, Goa tourism minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said today.
The minister was reacting to complaints by locals in the North Goa beach belt that shacks remain open beyond the permitted time, late into the night.
The complaints have come mostly from Baga-Sinquerim area, considered a night tourism hotspot, an official said.
Ajgaonkar,in a statement, said he woulddirect the tourism department to crack the whip on erring shack operators, and officials would be held accountable if they didn't take action.
"I will not tolerate this defiance by shack operatorsas well as dereliction ofduty by the departmentin not clamping downon the same. I have directed the Departmentof Tourismto actimmediately againstany such violationofnormsunder the shackpolicy," he said.

He would look into the issues raised by the local population in theNorth Goacoastal stretch, the minister assured.
Tourism activities will be monitored strictly along the entire Goa coast and not only in North Goa, Ajgaonkar added.
He also asked policeto keep a tight vigilalong the beaches and crack down on activities which violate the law and bring disreputeto the coastal state.