Colva: Despite the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) July order prohibiting the use of galvanised iron (GI) pipes and mild-steel frames for constructing seasonal beach shacks, violations continue along Goa’s coastline, with several establishments still using these materials.The continued use of metal structures has raised questions about the role of the state tourism department, which is responsible for monitoring shack-related activities along the beaches. The violations appear to be taking place in plain sight.Traditionally, Goa’s seasonal beach shacks were built using biodegradable materials such as coconut logs, wooden beams, bamboo and palm leaves. Coconut logs served as supporting posts, while beams, rafters and bamboo formed the framework. Palm leaves were used to thatch roofs and cover kitchen areas.Over the years, however, shack owners increasingly turned to alternative materials to make their structures sturdier and better equipped to withstand unpredictable weather. With the rising cost of wood and bamboo, many opted for metal frameworks, flooring and kitchen coverings.The Tourism Department’s own guidelines require beach shacks to be built using eco-friendly materials and prohibit permanent construction materials such as cement and stone.Despite these restrictions, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) had permitted GI pipes and mild-steel frames for temporary shacks, citing unpredictable weather conditions and the shortage and high cost of wood.However, in July, the Western Zone Bench of the NGT ruled that using these materials gives structures meant to be temporary a permanent character, making such construction contrary to Goa’s Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) regulations. The tribunal reiterated that seasonal shacks must remain temporary and environmentally sustainable.Yet, the directions appear to have had little impact on the ground. A traditional shack owner, who continues to use biodegradable materials, said those complaining about violations face harassment. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said, “If we complain about illegalities, officials demand evidence, we are repeatedly summoned to the department. This results in unnecessary harassment and business losses,” he alleged.When contacted, tourism Director Kedar Naik asked TOI to share photographs of shacks using metal structures and said he would direct departmental personnel to inspect the sites.With metal structures continuing to emerge despite the NGT’s directions, the larger question is whether Goa’s coastal protection norms are being enforced or merely remaining on paper.
