Calangute: Beach shacks along the Calangute-Candolim stretch are likely to begin operating next week, with some expected to offer additional facilities such as air-conditioning and Wi-Fi connectivity.Some shacks may be air-conditioned this season under the ‘Work from Beach Goa Shackathon’ initiative, which was introduced last season. “IT and tourism departments plan to continue the concept, which provides internet facilities, following a meeting with tourism minister Rohan Khaunte in June. Selected shacks would have to install air conditioners and remain available throughout the season,” John Lobo, general secretary of Shack Owners Welfare Society (SOWS), said.Allottees whose sites have been demarcated by the tourism department after payment of licence fees have started setting up their shacks. The deadline for paying the licence fee is Sept 30.Traditional Shack Owners Association president Manuel Cardozo, however, termed the concept impractical. He said visitors did not come to shacks to work and that loud music was played after 4pm. Shacks were not restaurants suitable for air-conditioning, he added.Referring to an incident at Baga last season in which tourists allegedly assaulted shack staff after they refused to play Kannada music, Lobo said tourists could use headphones to listen to music of their choice. He said shack DJs generally played Goan and English music, and sometimes Hindi music.
