This story is from June 26, 2020

Maharashtra goes Goa way, allows shacks on eight Konkan beaches

Maharashtra cabinet on Thursday cleared a policy to allow temporary shacks on some beaches across Konkan coast, like in Goa.
Maharashtra goes Goa way, allows shacks on eight Konkan beaches
Picture used for representational purpose only
MUMBAI: Maharashtra cabinet on Thursday cleared a policy to allow temporary shacks on some beaches across Konkan coast, like in Goa.
As per the cabinet decision, a pilot project on eight beaches will be undertaken and depending on demand it will be extended. Two popular beaches from four districts, including Bordi and Kelwe in Palghar, Varsoli and Diveagar in Raigad, Guhagar and Araware in Ratnagiri, and Kundkeshwar and Tarkali in Sindhudurg have been finalised.
The policy has been under discussion since 2017.
Officials said since the beaches fall under coastal regulation zone, shacks can be set up on some beaches after Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) clearance. Application forms will be available online.
Only 10 shacks will be allowed per beach. “We will give preference to applications made by locals. The idea is to boost tourism and open up an alternative economy for locals,” said Shiv Sena leader and cabinet minister Anil Parab.
Eighty percent of the jobs generated will be held by locals, said Parab.
Each shack will be 15ft x 15ft and 12 ft high, and will allotted for three years with a non-refundable charge of Rs15,000. The applicant will have to pay Rs45,000 in the first year, Rs50,000 in the second and Rs55,000 in the third. A refundable deposit of Rs30,000 will be taken.
The shacks can be open from 7am to 7pm and CCTV for each one will be mandatory. “Charges that tourists will pay and other guidelines will be issued by MTDC soon,” said an official.

Tourism minister Aaditya Thackeray tweeted that eight beaches in Maharashtra were approved for eco-friendly shacks, which will be a major tourist facility, but 80% employment for locals was a must.
Another decision taken by the cabinet was to give seven properties of MTDC to private players on lease or through a joint venture for up to 90 years. Thackeray said this will help the state increase revenue and build world-class tourism. The seven properties include five resorts in Mahableshwar, Matheran, Ganpatipule, Harihareshwar and Mithbab and two plots at Tadoba and Farbapur in Aurangabad will be put up for lease. Officials said the lease rent and period lease will be decided by a high-powered committee under the chief secretary.
“The two land parcels are nearly five hectares and how much will be given will depend on interest of the private player and requirement of the project,” said an official.
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About the Author
Bhavika Jain

Bhavika Jain, senior correspondent with The Times of India. While her primary beat is the BMC, she also keep tab on stories relating to other beats like heritage, environment and health. When she is not scouting for news stories, she usually watch films or try out new places to eat.

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