Team Herald
PANJIM: The tussle between the newly-constituted Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) and Tourism Department over the beach cleaning contract, saw the latter make attempts to please the government in order to retain the management of beach cleaning.
A day after Herald reported of differences between the two government agencies, Tourism Minister Manohar (Babu) Azgaonkar held a review meeting on garbage management on Tuesday. The department also revealed a new initiative to ensure cleanliness and hygiene of the beaches.
“As a stop gap arrangement until concrete measures are put in place to ensure cleanliness and hygiene on the beaches, a new WhatsApp initiative is being set up by the existing contractor (Drishti Lifeguards Services) and will be monitored round-the-clock by Tourism Department,” a statement by the department said.
The WhatsApp number will be announced shortly wherein people can connect with the existing arrangement. “The general public can inform via the social media the locations where waste is strewn or piled up. The designated contractor will take corrective measures within 24 hours and report to the Department,” it stated.
Azgaonkar held a review on cleanliness and hygiene on the beaches and directed the department to press into service all interim measures until permanent solutions are worked out in this direction.
He also instructed the department to expedite the tendering process for beach cleaning works in a time bound manner.
The minister also reviewed the status on the project for toilets, urinals and changing rooms and other utility facilities on the beaches, while he also discussed measures to curb nuisance caused by hawkers and other unauthorised activities along the beach belt.
“The officers concerned are asked to submit status/action taken report on various issues and activities within a week,” an official said adding that a meeting with the stakeholders is soon to follow.
In its first meeting, the GWMC had in-principle approved to take over the beach cleaning contract from Tourism department. However, it was learnt that Azgaonkar has been insisting the department maintains the contract whereas the Corporation feels the former is incompetent to handle the system.
