FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2024
Team Herald
The Colva residents have lamented about the depleting condition of the Iconic Colva beach. The residents said that the Tourism department is just doing lip service by saying they will develop the vicinity of the Colva beach. The residents claimed that many of the facilities put by the Tourism department are not in place and the department is least bothered to repair or replace them. The residents have demanded immediate action on these issues to keep the sanity of the beach intact.
One resident, Arun Kalekar, mentioned that people come to drink at the park during the night, further adding to its deterioration. This highlights the need for the Tourism department to look into the matter of better security measures and maintenance to prevent such activities.
He further said that the lack of basic facilities and the deteriorating condition of the beach have led to a significant decline in business for local businessmen. They claim that their business has dropped by over 50 percent and continues to decline further.
The garden, once frequented by both the elderly and the young, has lost its appeal due to its current condition. The digital signboard at the entrance, which used to generate revenue for the council, is now non-functional. The overgrown grass and plants in the garden have made it less accessible, with even the footpath becoming unclear. The fountains, which used to be a major attraction, are also not working anymore.
Speaking to the sarpanch she said that, we have raised this issue several times but despite these concerns, the authorities have turned a blind eye. We have sent a letter to the tourism department as well. This negligence by the tourism department is fuelling frustration among the locals and residents. The authorities must address the maintenance issues and ensure that the necessary facilities are provided to revive the popularity of the beach. Additionally, efforts should be made to maintain proper security and curb illegal activities in the area.
