Team Herald
MARGAO: After a lengthy inspection of Colva beach and surrounding areas on Saturday evening, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte gave an assurance to try and resolve the various problems that were identified, either directly through the Tourism Department or by coordinating with other concerned departments.
Khaunte also directed the Chief Engineer of Goa Tourism Development Corporation to visit the Colva beach again on Sunday given the complaints of substandard material and deteriorating tourism infrastructure at the beach.
Tourism Director Nikhil Dessai, Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco were also present.
Amongst the main issues highlighted was the rampant sand erosion at the beach where gazebos could fall into the sea and also about unresolved sewerage contamination of Colva Creek. Khaunte stated that the District Collector should consult with all the stakeholders including the Water Resources Department (WRD) and issue orders so that corrective measures can be implemented immediately.
He also stated that the water and power connections of those commercial establishments should be cut if they are found to be polluting the environment.
The minister’s attention was apprised about the problematic streetlights and how some fixtures had fallen to the ground recently, endangering the public lives.
“This illumination issue is not limited to Colva alone. We recently took a decision regarding streetlights and a policy on it is also being implemented soon. Ultimately, it falls under the Electricity Department but we will follow up to see that the matter is resolved,” Khaunte added.
The Tourism Minister also added that an integrated beach management system will be put in force by this tourism season.
The minister also clarified that the iconic beach module is presently only at the proposal stage but the idea is to provide better amenities to a better profile of tourists.
