01 Dec 2022  |   08:13am IST

Tourism Dept seizes 10 truckloads of unauthorised deck beds, umbrellas from Morjim Beach

Hoteliers and shack operators had cluttered the shore with more tents and beach beds than they are allowed to use, making the beach inaccessible to visitors

Team Herald

PERNEM: The Tourism Department, along with the Tourist Police, raided the Vithaldas Wada stretch of Morjim Beach and seized three truckloads of illegally-placed deck beds, beach umbrellas and tents, besides other material cluttering the shore. The raid was conducted by Assistant Tourism Officer Milind Chodankar

Officials said that the department will intensify such measures to curb illegalities on all beaches and tourist spots. “Ten truckloads of illegal material were seized and the beach, which was being used as private property, was cleared of structures so as to make it 

accessible to tourists and locals,” said the official. 

The stakeholders in this locality had highlighted this issue before the Tourism Department, seeking action against the encroachers.

In the last month, Morjim Beach has witnessed encroachments by hoteliers and shack operators who have covered the stretch with their deck beds and beach umbrellas, beyond the permitted numbers. 

Strict action is also being initiated against hawkers and vendors who pester tourists and obstruct 

their movement on the beach as well as at other tourist hotspots and religious places.