A report by TOI from interviewing shack operators regarding a solution to the sewage problem in South Goa:

PANAJI: While the South Goa beach shack operators are examining if their sewage problems can be sorted by installing portable treatment plants, the North Goa operators still have no plan of action.
The problem is posing a threat to the existence of beach shacks, and allottees are keen to find a solution before the next season starts.

Last month, several shacks along the Calangute-Candolim stretch were sealed after it came to light that they were operating without a consent to operate from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB).
“We are checking if a portable sewage treatment plant can be installed, but that will be subject to approval from the GSPCB,” president of the Goa Shack Owners Welfare Society (SOWS), Cruz Cardozo, told TOI.

A model by a South Indian company has been kept for a demo at Benaulim beach. “The GSPCB will have to tell us if it is sufficient to meet our requirements,” said Cardozo.
If all goes well, those who agree will have a common portable sewage treatment plant per beach stretch.

Beach shacks are required to install green toilets, and the cost of one can range up to Rs 1 lakh, depending on the model chosen. The condition was laid down a few years ago to discourage beach shacks from releasing sewage either into the sea or into the sand.

While beach shack operators on the Candolim, Calangute and Baga beach stretches got relief after their respective panchayats

agreed to lift the sewage generated by them, it is not the end of the problem for them either.

Secretary of SOWS, John Lobo, said the tourism department will have to grant permission for vehicles to lift sewage from shacks. Besides, some shacks do not have road access, making it difficult for a tanker to approach them, he said.

Operators at other beaches who were not affected by the high court order have not paid attention to the problem. Cardozo said that ideally they want a solution to the problem before the allotment of shacks next season.

“With shacks paying more than Rs 1 lakh in fees to the tourism department, it should help us,” Lobo said.

Bindiya Chari, TOI