Fee for Goa beach weddings increased to Rs 1 lakh per day

PANAJI: As applications seeking permission for beach weddings in Goa continue to rise, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority ( GCZMA ) has decided to hike fees to Rs 1 lakh per day. Only in May last year, GCZMA raised rates for beach weddings, making the permission cost Rs 1 lakh - but this fee covered a five-day period for events. The new rates will apply to all private events held on Goa's beaches, not just weddings. A 75% concession in fees will be available, however, for govt corporations, autonomous bodies, charitable trusts, schools, and sports events.

In Dec and Jan, the number of applications for beach parties and weddings outnumber the cases of coastal regulation zone violations dealt with by GCZMA.

The new rates touch construction permissions too. GCZMA will charge Rs 1 lakh for approving the construction of a sewage treatment plant on coastal land. GCZMA has also for the first time added a fee for permission to install hoardings.