The Goa government’s recent announcement that Colva Beach will be developed under the Union government’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme as part of the Coastal Tourism Circuit has sparked strong criticism from local residents and environmental activists.
While welcoming the initiative's intent to boost tourism and improve infrastructure, concerned citizens argue that deep-rooted environmental and civic issues—especially the long-standing pollution of Colva creek—remain unresolved.
Once a vibrant and ecologically significant water body, the Colva creek is now choked with untreated sewage, garbage, and years of neglect. Locals say the pollution poses not only a public health threat but also undermines the area’s tourism potential.
“It’s ironic that while we talk about beautifying beaches to attract tourists, the creek right beside Colva Beach is toxic and ignored,” said local resident Simao Rodrigues. “We are not against development, but the government must clean up what already exists. Otherwise, it’s just putting a new coat of paint on a crumbling wall.”
Residents also pointed to other persistent civic concerns, including poor waste management, the stray dog menace, crumbling roads, and the dilapidated state of the public garden near the beach. They noted that repeated complaints to authorities have gone unanswered.
Activists have further called for greater transparency and public participation in the planning and execution of tourism projects, arguing that community input is crucial to ensuring sustainable and inclusive development.
Despite the criticism, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte remains optimistic about the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 initiative, which aims to create high-quality tourism infrastructure across India’s coastal regions.
However, for many in Colva, the message is clear: no amount of beautification will succeed unless it begins with addressing the basics.