The shacks have become 'chill-out' zones with music falling quiet at 10pm, whereas in earlier years, beach shacks were 'party zones', said local tourism stakeholders. A part time DJ in Candolim said a couple of shacks that would hire out sound systems from him have not done so because they're not allowed to play music after 10pm.

"They're not renting out my equipment because it is expensive for them if they can't play music after 10pm. Along with that, the demand for DJs like me has also vanished," he told TOI. There are dozens of amateur DJs and musicians who play 'live' music at bars and restaurants in the beach belt who have been similarly affected.

The primary reason for this damp mood setting in, according to stakeholders, is the reduction in the number of beach shacks, followed by the reduction in deck beds. Shack operators allege that while they're being sidelined, the government has been favouring big-time organizers of music festivals who are 'outsiders'. Calangute played host to two mega music festivals this year, compared to one last year. Besides, there were other events, including a fashion show.