Team Herald
MARGAO: Concerns over the safety of motor paragliding at Colva Beach have spurred the Colva Civic and Consumer Forum (CCCF) to demand immediate action to halt the activity. Highlighting safety risks and a lack of infrastructure, the forum has petitioned multiple authorities, including the Salcete Deputy Collector and the South Goa District Collector, urging them to take swift measures to address the issue.
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The CCCF has raised objections to the operation of motor paragliding on the crowded beach, highlighting past incidents where tourists suffered injuries during the activity. In a detailed letter to the South Goa District Collector, forum convenor Judith Almeida pointed out the absence of essential infrastructure to support the sport, endangering not only the riders but also tourists and locals on the beach. She warned of the potential for catastrophic accidents caused by equipment failures, which could jeopardise multiple lives in the densely populated area.
In November 2022, an 84-year-old German tourist who was walking on Colva beach was badly injured when the motorised glider flew too low, slicing off five of his fingers. Luckily, the man, Dieter Eichler, escaped with a small head injury as he had put his hands up to protect his head. Eicher underwent surgery that cost him Rs seven lakh, but reportedly received only Rs 3 lakh compensation from the parasailing operator.
The forum also criticised the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) for issuing permissions to the operator without considering the infrastructure gaps and the crowded nature of the beach. Copies of the Colva Village Panchayat’s stop-work notice and a letter urging the GTDC to cease granting No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the activity were included as evidence of the long-standing concerns. The issue has also been discussed in a village gram sabha, reflecting widespread public opposition to the sport.
Following the CCCF’s petition, the Deputy Collector of Salcete directed the Superintendent of Police (South Goa) to examine the matter and take necessary action.
