Maharashtra’s Innovative Beach Shack Policy aims To Boost Konkan Coast’s Tourism, Preserve The Environment, and Create Sustainable Employment For Locals

Published on December 30, 2025

Maharashtra’s innovative beach shack policy aims to boost tourism along the Konkan Coast by offering unique beachfront experiences while preserving the environment and creating sustainable employment opportunities for locals. By introducing temporary shacks at select coastal locations, the policy is designed to attract more tourists while ensuring that the development is both eco-friendly and beneficial to the local community. Prioritizing local participation, the initiative guarantees that most jobs created will be reserved for residents, ensuring long-term economic growth and fostering a responsible, sustainable tourism model.

The Maharashtra government has unveiled a new policy aimed at revitalizing the state’s tourism sector, with a special focus on coastal regions. This initiative, inspired by Goa’s iconic beach shacks, introduces the concept of temporary beach shacks along selected beaches on the Konkan coast. The move comes as a strategic response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a sustainable solution for both tourism growth and local employment.

Phased Implementation Across the Konkan Coast

Under the first phase of the policy, beach shacks will be established at various popular beach destinations along Maharashtra’s Konkan coastline. These include locations such as Guhagar and Arevare in Ratnagiri, Kunkeshwar and Tarkarli in Sindhudurg, Versoli and Diveagar in Raigad, and Kelve and Bordi in Palghar district. These areas were specifically chosen for their scenic beauty and high tourism potential, with the aim to not only enhance the tourism experience but also stimulate economic opportunities for the local communities.

The Maharashtra tourism department has opened applications for those interested in setting up beach shacks, with clear guidelines available on its official website. This marks the beginning of a wider initiative that will see additional beaches incorporated into the policy in future phases. The government plans to assess the feasibility and response to the initial phase before expanding the policy further, ensuring a controlled and sustainable development approach along the coastline.

Emphasis on Local Participation and Job Creation

A key feature of the new policy is its emphasis on local community participation. The government has outlined that priority will be given to local residents for setting up the beach shacks. This ensures that the economic benefits of the initiative directly support the coastal communities. Furthermore, the policy mandates that at least 80 percent of the jobs created through these beach shack operations will be reserved for local workers.

This provision aims to not only enhance the livelihood of local residents but also ensure that tourism development benefits the communities in a tangible way. By involving locals in the operation of the shacks, the initiative fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the tourism development taking place on their home turf.

Environmental Protection Measures

In keeping with sustainable tourism practices, the beach shack policy places a strong emphasis on protecting the environment. Shacks will only be set up in areas that have received approval from the State Coastal Zone Management Authority, which ensures that the development does not harm the fragile coastal ecosystems. The Maharashtra tourism directorate will oversee the implementation of the policy to ensure that environmental safeguards are strictly adhered to.

This commitment to environmental protection is crucial, as it ensures that the development of tourism infrastructure along the Konkan coast does not lead to the degradation of natural resources. By balancing tourism growth with environmental sustainability, the Maharashtra government aims to create a model that can be replicated in other coastal regions across the country.

A Vision for Sustainable Tourism Growth

The new beach shack policy is expected to be a game-changer for Maharashtra’s tourism sector. By offering unique beachfront experiences for tourists while promoting local cuisine, culture, and hospitality, the initiative enhances the overall appeal of the state’s coastal destinations. With a focus on local participation, the policy ensures that the benefits of tourism are widely distributed among the communities that depend on it.

The initiative also provides a much-needed boost to Maharashtra’s post-pandemic tourism recovery, attracting both domestic and international travelers eager to experience the state’s natural beauty and vibrant coastal culture. As the policy expands in the coming years, it is poised to significantly contribute to the growth of Maharashtra’s coastal tourism while creating a sustainable, community-driven model that benefits both locals and visitors alike.

Maharashtra’s innovative beach shack policy is designed to boost Konkan Coast tourism by offering unique experiences while prioritizing environmental protection and creating sustainable local jobs. This initiative aims to attract tourists and support local communities through responsible and eco-friendly development.

In conclusion, the Maharashtra government’s new beach shack policy represents a thoughtful approach to fostering sustainable tourism development. By combining local job creation, environmental protection, and enhanced tourist experiences, the policy paves the way for a brighter future for coastal tourism in the state. The initiative promises to set a precedent for other regions looking to develop their coastal tourism in a responsible and impactful way.