Your beach wedding plan to get costlier as Goa increases fees by 400%

As applications for beach weddings in Goa surge, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has increased the fees significantly. The new rate is now Rs 1 lakh per day for private events held on the beaches. Previously, the GCZMA had set the fee at Rs 1 lakh for a five-day period in May last year. Additionally, any event extending beyond one day will incur an extra charge of Rs 10,000 for each subsequent day.

Fee Structure for Various Events

The updated fee applies to all private events, not just weddings. However, there is a 75% concession available for government corporations, autonomous bodies, charitable trusts, schools, and organizers of sports events.

Increased Applications Amid Regulation

Data shows that in December and January, the number of applications for beach parties and weddings surpassed the cases of coastal regulation zone violations managed by the GCZMA. Most applicants prefer quieter beaches in South Goa, including Utorda, Velsao, Cavelossim, Mobor, Benaulim, Varca, Bogmalo, and Rajbaga. In North Goa, popular spots for wedding permissions include Ashvem, Miramar, and Vainguinim.

Impact on Workload

The rise in applications adds to the workload of the coastal authority. Some applicants request permissions for weddings on areas as large as 800 square meters, with guest lists reaching up to 1,000 people.

Construction and Hoarding Fees Introduced

The new fee structure also affects construction permissions. The GCZMA will charge Rs 1 lakh for approving sewage treatment plants on coastal land. Permissions for constructing floating pontoon or temporary wooden jetties will cost Rs 1.25 lakh, while a concrete permanent jetty will incur a fee of Rs 2.5 lakh. For a permanent hall, the fee will be Rs 5 lakh.

In a notable change, the GCZMA has introduced a fee for installing temporary and illuminated hoardings, set at Rs 700 per square meter of the coastal area covered. Non-illuminated hoardings will be charged Rs 400 per square meter.

Hoardings and Environmental Concerns

Following recent directives from the High Court, the GCZMA ordered the removal of hoardings along the Mandovi river. After their removal, those who had erected the hoardings sought permission to reinstall them. The GCZMA stated that hoardings do not pose harm to the coastal environment as they do not release sewage or cause other damage.