The Maharashtra government has approved a new “beach shack” policy to revive and strengthen the tourism sector, especially during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by Goa’s popular beach shacks, the policy allows temporary shacks to be set up along selected beaches on the Konkan coast. The decision was cleared in a cabinet meeting chaired by then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
Under the first phase, beach shacks will be developed at Guhagar and Arevare in Ratnagiri, Kunkeshwar and Tarkarli in Sindhudurg, Versoli and Diveagar in Raigad, and Kelve and Bordi in Palghar district. These locations were chosen to attract tourists and create economic opportunities in coastal regions.
Interested individuals can apply to set up these temporary shacks through the Maharashtra tourism department’s official website. The government has clarified that more beaches will be included in the policy in a phased manner, depending on response and feasibility. This ensures controlled and sustainable development along the coastline.
The policy also places strong emphasis on local participation. Priority will be given to local residents for setting up shacks, and at least 80 percent of the jobs generated through these establishments will be reserved for locals. This move aims to support coastal communities and provide direct employment benefits.
To protect the environment, shacks will be allowed only in areas approved by the tourism directorate and will require permission from the State Coastal Zone Management Authority. This ensures that tourism development does not harm fragile coastal ecosystems.
Overall, the beach shack policy is expected to enhance tourist experiences, promote local cuisine and culture, and boost Maharashtra’s coastal tourism. By balancing employment generation with environmental safeguards, the initiative seeks to create sustainable growth for the state’s tourism sector.
