Beach Camping: Rs 3,000 Fee & Notification Policy Cancelled

In a significant shift for local beachgoers, Rajesh Bhagwan, the Minister of the Environment, has announced the simplification of rules governing camping on public beaches in Mauritius. Starting now, campers will no longer need to notify the Beach Authority 21 days in advance or pay a deposit of Rs 3,000 to set up their tents on the sand.

Every year, numerous Mauritians opt to camp on the beaches to enjoy quality time with family and friends.

However, cumbersome regulations imposed by the Beach Authority made this popular activity more complicated, necessitating prior notification and substantial deposits.

In an interview with Défi Quotidien, Bhagwan explained the motivation behind this reform, stating, “Mauritians have limited accessible leisure options.

This decision is aimed at allowing them to enjoy public beaches without unnecessary administrative hurdles.

The beach is a public space, a free resource for all. It is essential that everyone can fully benefit from it.”

The previous procedures had led to frustration and discontent among many campers, with the Minister describing them as “a genuine administrative hassle.”

He expressed hope that the new rules will enable Mauritians to camp freely without having to navigate these bureaucratic obstacles.

Bhagwan emphasized that this measure offers an alternative for relaxation, particularly for those who may not have the means to travel abroad or stay in hotels.

“The public beach serves as a refuge for many families, providing a place for them to unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings,” he added.

While the notification and payment requirements have been lifted, the Minister stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and adhering to environmental guidelines.

The Beach Authority and environmental police will monitor activities to ensure compliance with safety and hygiene standards.

“We appeal to everyone’s sense of responsibility. Come to relax, but do so with respect for nature. Do not leave behind waste, do not burn tree roots, and strive to preserve the environment,” urged Bhagwan.

He also noted that an annual budget of Rs 200 million has been allocated for the cleaning and maintenance of beaches.

Additionally, concrete measures have been implemented to improve infrastructure, including the management of public toilets in collaboration with the Central Water Authority (CWA) to ensure a reliable water supply.

The Minister of the Environment hopes that this new policy will allow all Mauritians to enjoy the beaches in a pleasant and respectful manner, contributing to a more enjoyable outdoor experience for everyone.

Source: Defi Media