Despite a recent report by Herald highlighting the issue of alcohol consumption in restricted areas at Polem Beach, the problem persists with little to no enforcement currently in place. While police presence was briefly heightened following the publication, it has since dwindled, allowing the earlier flagged behavior to resume openly.
Visitors, particularly from Karwar, have reportedly returned to consuming alcohol in the same zones previously identified as problematic. This resurgence of public drinking has led to growing concerns among families, local residents, and tourists, who say the environment has become increasingly unsafe and uncomfortable.
“The situation had improved for a few days after the report came out,” said one local vendor. “But now, it’s back to how it was—no police, and people drinking in the open, even near families.”
Adding to the concern is the lack of basic sanitation infrastructure on the beach. Currently, only a single plastic dustbin bag tied to a stone serves as a waste disposal point. Not only is this setup unsanitary, but it is also inadequate for a beach that sees steady tourist footfall.
Although Polem Beach is officially on the regular beach cleaning schedule, residents claim that proper cleaning has not been carried out. Litter remains scattered across the sand, and no additional dustbins have been installed to manage the growing volume of trash.
Locals are urging authorities to take sustained action, not just temporary measures, to restore the beach to a safe, clean, and family-friendly destination. Many believe that without consistent monitoring and proper infrastructure, the issues will only escalate.