MARGAO: Benaulim residents on Wednesday accused the government, especially the Tourism Department of completely failing to provide the required facilities at the beach, which is one of the favourite tourism spots in Salcete.
Complaining of mess created on the beach in the absence of toilets, dustbins and changing rooms, they demanded that Tourism Minister Babu Ajgaonkar along with local panchas visit the beach and take stock of the situation.
They alleged that even the Benaulim panchayat has failed in keeping the beach clean.
Speaking to the media persons, a lady, who has been running a small gadda at the beach for the last two decades said, “The beach has gone to the dogs. There is no facility and infrastructure here to facilitate the visitors. No proper toilet facilities, as a result, visitors are creating mess everywhere. Waste is strewn on the beach and there is no cleanliness.”
A local vendor said, “The panchayat and the local MLA have failed in providing the necessary facilities on the beach to maintain its beauty.”
Former panch Gilbert Fernandes said, “We can notice all mess and adding to that nuisance is the fish water released by the fish traders.”
Stating that he has no objection to the fishing activities of the local fishermen, Fernandes said, “There should be proper arrangement to ensure no nuisance is created. I have noticed the fish water flowing on the road for the last several days, as fish traders are anchoring here to load the fish catch. This fish water is shooing away beach visitors, as the stench is unbearable “.
Gilbert alleged that the panchayat is least bothered about the beach nuisance.
“I have to take my family to the other beach,” he said.
