Saying ‘I Do’ on the Goan Beaches, GCZMA plays Cupid

Saying ‘I Do’ on the sandy beaches of Goa against the backdrop of the sea may the ultimate romantic wedding dream. Goa State Coastal Zone Management Authority is willing to play cupid to these starry-eyed brides and grooms, provided couples comply with their norms. 

Saying ‘I do’ on the beaches of Goa may be the ultimate romantic wedding, but sentinels of the beach, the Goa State Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) would like couples to comply with a few norms, even as they are eager to play cupid.

According to a Times of India report, the GCZMA is flooded with applications for beach wedding permissions, particularly during the winter and summer months.  According to statistics, these applications often exceed the number of CRZ violations. From December 2018 to February 2019 alone, 55 couples sought such permissions.

But permissions, according to this source are not only sought from wedding parties, but also organizers to hold rain dances, Christmas and New Year parties, live band shows, private parties various festivals like food, kite, Holi, football and even swimming events.

The task of issuing these permissions, according to GCZMA officials, is not an easy one as these starry grooms and brides want to lay it out lavishly.  “Some have asked to have their event up to 800 sqm of the beach, to accommodate more than a 1000 guests,” revealed an official, indicating that these weddings mainly take place on beach stretches adjoin hotels.  The relatively quieter beaches of South Goa like Utorda, Velsao, Cavelossim, Mobor, Benaulim, Varca, Bogmalo, and Rajibag are more sought after, while in North Goa, Ashvem and Vaiguinim are favorite beach wedding sites.

GCZMA not only helps to play cupid but has to often step in when weddings are called off. In the case of a wedding scheduled at Cavelossim on May 12 which was ultimately canceled, the authority was asked for a refund of the processing fee.

“Refund cases are to be considered only when the applications have not been processed,” explained GCZMA officials.

According to the rules of the authority, it permits only one structure with 10ft x 10ft dimensions with plastic chairs and events must be carried out as per the conditions laid down as per the beach-carrying capacity report.

However, even as GCZMA wants to help these romantic accomplish their dreams, the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has asked for better rules to grant permissions to these weddings.

“Each time the venue is used, we need to generate a new permission receipt from the GCZMA. Blanket permission should be given for 6 to 8 months for frequently used venues, as a majority of these events are held at fixed locations,” they said.

Source: TOI | Memorable Indian Weddings