MARGAO: The police have rejected the demand of the Betalbatim Panchayat and locals for providing identity cards to migrants in the village claiming that it would result in misuse of the card. 

This was conveyed to the people by Deputy Superintendent of Police Raju Raut Desai at a meeting convened by the District Collector to initiate corrective measures for security and vigilance of beaches. 

The meeting was attended by Nuvem MLA Wilfred D’Sa, Betalbatim Sarpanch Constancio Miranda and panchas, ZP member Nelly Rodrigues, Assistant Director of Tourism Dhiraj Wagle and people.

Collector Anjali Sehrawat informed the people that they have decided to install high mast lamps and CCTV cameras on beaches to prevent harrowing incidents like gang rapes. 

On the occasion, Nelly Rodrigues requested the authorities to keep a watch on the sand dunes on the beach areas and informed that these are the places where all the wrong doings occur. 

The DySP Raju Raut Desai said that it is difficult for them to reach to the sand dunes on vehicles but also said that he has appointed a team of 20 policemen for patrolling with two Police Sub Inspectors on board.

The police informed that they are patrolling at Benaulim and Utorda beaches. However, they said it is difficult for them to patrol in dark areas. To this, Asst Director Tourism Wagle informed that that his department has sanction for 35 high mast lamp posts for beaches. 

Collector Anjali Sehrawat has advised the people to understand their duties and rather than pointing fingers at the government, they should work with the government. “If people demand erection of High Mast lamps in CRZ areas, can’t I break the rules?” she quipped.

Nelly Rodrigues told that the Panchayat doesn’t have the money that is required for installing high mast lamps and requested that the same be done through Tourism Department. 

DySP Desai asked the panchayat to levy beach entry toll from visitors to which the MLA Babashan said that he would discuss with the people and panchayat and get back to him. 

Collector Sehrawat also advised the Panchayat to clear the bushes and the vegetation at the sand dunes as, she said, “If the bushes remain wrongdoings will continue to happen there.” 

Rejecting the request of special ID cards to migrants living in the village, the DySP said, “There is no need for that as we are already getting C forms filled from them. If at all someone has illegally rented house and not informed the police, the villagers have to inform us and we will take action.”