Beach weddings in Goa may be history soon; eco agency recommends ban

Goa’s popular beach weddings might soon become a thing of the past. A government-funded environment agency has recommended a ban on such functions being held in ecologically sensitive zones in the state.A report, submitted by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) to the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF), made several recommendations regarding lavish beach weddings held across Goa’s coastline, a senior state environment ministry official said.

Beside recommending a ban on weddings in ecologically sensitive areas, the NCSCM has also put a cap that such events should not be held for more than three days, the officer said.The report will be soon made public.

In the past few years, Goa has increasingly become a preferred destination for holding lavish beach weddings, which at times run for over a week.Mass wedding goes cashless, Gujarat couples get cheques as giftsAccording to the report, over 800 high-end weddings are being organised in Goa annually, mostly in four and five star properties located along the coastline.

The recommendations on beach weddings is a part of the NCSCM’s final report to be submitted to the central government suggesting guidelines for the use of beaches or private lands in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) area for recreational activities such as destination weddings, private parties and night markets.

“Destination weddings on beaches have become hugely popular and successful in Goa. It bring in high quality tourists who spend large amount of money, benefiting local economy and providing livelihood to service providers like decorators, caterers, musicians, etc,” the report read.

Multi-course wazwans trimmed: J-K govt limits guests, dishes at weddingsThis exhibition explores French wedding traditions and their evolution Unlike Rajasthan where the backdrops of such weddings are forts and palaces, Goan destination weddings take place on beaches and adjacent coastal areas, which includes, setting up of pandal-cum-shamiana on the beach, food stalls, sound and light décor, and sometimes last up to seven days, it said.

While directing the organisers to ensure that there is no damage inflicted on the vegetation of the area such as creepers and other flora, the NCSCM said that the stage set up for such weddings should be done without the use of cement, concrete or permanent material.

The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority and the tourism department have been asked to deny or withdraw the permissions granted to organisers of such weddings, if they are found to be violating the norms