Maharashtra’s 720 km-long Konkan coastline
is all set for an upgrade. Just like Goa, tourists will soon be able to savour
seafood and enjoy liquor on the beaches of Mumbai, thanks to the state
government’s new shack policy.
After much debate, liquor will finally be
allowed on the beaches with permission from the excise department, reports The
Times of India. “Restricting liquor at tourist spots like beaches will lead to
encouraging the illegal supply of liquor, or shacks may fail to be an
attraction for tourists,” a senior official told the publication.
Enforcement cells or flying squads will be
deployed to ensure safety.
Illegal shacks, however, will be shut down
and penalties will be imposed on them by designated officers. A CCTV will be
made compulsory to monitor any illegal activities like drug trafficking etc.
and they will have to be reported by the beach shack applicant.
Foreigners will not be allowed to work in
shacks, even if they have a work visa. The shacks will be allowed to function
from 7 am to 11:30 pm, with no loud music after 10 pm.
As long as the music doesn’t travel
outside the shack, it can be played. Music systems beyond the permissible limit
will be taken away, reports TOI.
The state government will allow these
shacks to operate from September to May, but not during the monsoon season.
This policy is subject to approval by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Measures will be taken to ensure safety as
well as cleanliness. They have suggested the shacks be made of eco-friendly and
resilient materials, which can withstand the coast’s unpredictable weather.
They will ensure there is provision for fire cover or first aid and portable
toilets are also going to be introduced.
A number of such measures have been
included in the police.