MARGAO: Former Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco has added his voice to the growing opposition against the pay parking notification at Colva beach.
Expressing solidarity with Colva residents and local businesses, Pacheco pledged his support and issued a stern warning to the State government, threatening to lead street protests if the controversial notification is not promptly scrapped.
Addressing reporters in Margao on Saturday, Pacheco questioned the rationale behind imposing parking fees, particularly on Colva residents and Goans in general.
He emphasised that extracting parking fees from locals and visitors at an iconic beach like Colva is unjust.
The recent notification introducing pay parking at Colva beach has sparked anger among residents, who are concerned about its potential negative impact on businesses and inconvenience to visitors.
“Whoever thought of proposing and introducing pay parking at the Colva beach has failed to apply his mind and failed to consider the locals’ sentiments. Apart from thousands of tourists, locals are witnessed spending time with their family members at the beach,” said Pacheco.
Pacheco called for opposition to the notification, warning against the possibility of similar fees being imposed on other beaches in the future.
