Porvorim: The state legislative assembly passed four crucial bills on Wednesday. ‘The Goa Erection of Shacks on Public Beaches Regulation and Control Bill, 2024', which is aimed at establishing specific regulations for the erection and management of temporary and seasonal structures on public beaches, as permitted under the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, was also passed by the assembly. The passage of the bill was vehemently opposed by the opposition MLAs.
The opposition MLAs alleged that the bill violates the rights of the local bodies. Tourism minister Rohan Khaunte , who tabled the bill, said that it is aimed at promoting sustainable tourism practices while balancing the needs of the beach shack operators and preserving the natural beauty of the coastal areas of Goa. The Goa Land Revenue Code Amendment Bill, 2024, tabled by revenue minister Atanasio Monserrate , was also approved by the assembly.
Monserrate said that the bill primarily focusses on preventing agricultural land from being converted and used for other purposes. The opposition, however, alleged that the bill introduced by govt is to facilitate the backdoor entry to farmhouses for non-Goans . On demand of the opposition, division of votes were taken up by the speaker, and the bill was passed with 29 voting in favour of the bill and 7 opposing it.
The Goa Verification of Tenants Bill , 2024, which was tabled by the chief minister, to enhance security and maintain public order was also approved by the as.