CANDOLIM: Acting on grievances and fears raised by foreign tourists over unregulated water sports activities on Candolim beach, the tourism department has decided to demarcate a zone for water sports activities.
The tourism department has directed its officers to demarcate a water sports zone to avoid any untoward incident.
“On receipt of a representation from a group of foreign tourists led by Jason Browne (UK), we pursued the grievances and immediately took up the matter to resolve the issues highlighted in the petition,” Director of Tourism Ameya Abhyankar said.
“We consulted the Drishti Services, which has been providing lifeguard services along the coast, for demarcation of swimming and water sports zones. We have, accordingly, directed our officers to demarcate separate zones for waters sports and swimming and to ensure strict implementation,” said Abhyankar.
“We have also directed our officers to act firmly and even file an FIR against anyone not adhering to the rules and regulations. Henceforth, we will not tolerate such irregularities on the beach and those involved in the activities will have to fall in line. The water sports activities at Calangute and Baga have been regulated and we want the same to be done at Candolim and Sinquerim,” added Abhyankar.
Speaking to Herald, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo said the Candolim beach safety campaign petition signed by the British tourists on various safety measures in view of water sports activities was forwarded to the tourism department for prompt action.
“The tourism department has taken the petition seriously and has decided to demarcate water sports and swimming zones in the interest of tourists and those involved in tourism trade,” Lobo said.
It may be recalled that UK national, Jason Browne, had submitted a Candolim beach safety campaign petition, signed by foreign nationals, to MLA Lobo, which was forwarded to the tourism department.
The petition highlighted various irregularities at Candolim beach, including unregulated water sports activities.
The foreign nationals had warned the State government of the repercussions due to unregulated water sports activities at Candolim which could ultimately kill tourism in the coastal villages.
