Team Herald
PORVORIM: Tourism Minister Manohar (Babu) Azgaonkar on Tuesday blamed ‘unruly’ tourists for the recent drowning incidents in the State.
Azgaonkar, replying in the Assembly said that lifeguards have been doing a tremendous job in saving lives of tourists. “Safety and security of each and every tourist is our priority. Drishti has done a tremendous job in saving lives of tourists but still some tourists misbehave and go into the shallow waters despite warnings,” the Tourism Minister said.
He said that tourists must follow advice given by the lifeguards. “If you see most of the drowning incidents are at night and hence we have decided to maintain a vigil at night too,” he said.
Azgaonkar informed the House that lifeguards have also been stationed at Dudhsagar Waterfall and Mayem Lake.
On beach cleaning the Tourism Minster said that the cleanliness on the beaches is of utmost importance and currently Drishti has been temporarily entrusted with the job. However, he said, the work will be tendered soon after appointing consultants.
He also informed the House that the State tourism policy will be unveiled in the next three months after consultation with all stakeholders.
“We have a lot of projects planned, however, a lot of Vitamin M is necessary for that,” he said.
