PORVORIM: Admitting that CCTV cameras installed at the beaches in the North and South Goa do not have real time live streaming, the Tourism Minister on Thursday informed the House that Internet Service Provider (ISP) of the department has barred it.
“The Real Time Live Streaming of the said CCTV cameras could not be established as it is being barred by the ISP of the Department,” the reply tabled by Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar states.
The minister in his written reply further informed the House that Drishti Lifesaving Pvt Ltd, which is also provides lifeguard service on the beaches, installed the cameras in 2014. The CCTVs were upgraded in May 2019 with the warranty period valid till April 7, 2020.
The beaches where the CCTVs installed include Querim, Arambol, Ashwem, Morjim, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga I, Baga II, Calangute, Candolim, Sinquerim, Miramar, Dona Paula and Sridao; all in North Goa and Baina, Bogmalo, Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Taj, Varca, Zalor, Cavelossim, Mobor, Agonda, Palolem, Patnem and Rajbagh in the South.
Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat, who tabled the question also sought to know whether the contractor/agency installed CCTV cameras and High Power Cameras for night surveillance on the beaches as per the tender specifications. The reply came in positive.
Ajgaonkar said the contractor has recruited over 600 lifeguards to prevent the drowning of tourists and swimmers in the coastal waters including the setup and management of swimming zones marked by buoys and maintenance of water sports corridors along the beaches. The lifeguards, he added have been imparted the training.
Last year, Drishti had been in the news after several lifeguards resorted to strike leading to increase in drowning deaths. The company, after appealing its staff to rejoin duty, commenced fresh recruitment in addition to roping in services of its lifeguards from Mumbai.
Drishti also provides night beach safety patrol services with 111 night patrolmen at the coastal beaches of Goa.
