Calangute, Colva selected; dept opting for mechanized cleaning systems
TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The tourism ministry is opting for mechanized beach cleaning systems at Colva and Calangute and manual cleaning at eco-sensitive beaches of Morjim, Mandrem, Agonda and Galgibaga, as tenders were invited on Thursday, for comprehensive beach cleaning management along the State’s 105-km coastline.
In all, 40 stretches will be demarcated for introduction of the comprehensive beach management systems (mechanized and manual) with placement of dust bins every 100 meters and thrust on collection, segregation and treatment of biodegradable waste and disposal of non-biodegradable waste.
Sources in the tourism ministry told Herald that the plan is to introduce mechanized beach cleaning systems on a trial basis. “As of now only two beaches one each in North Goa (Calangute) and South Goa (Colva) have been selected given their popularity among tourists,” said a tourism ministry official. The mechanized systems will be extended to other beaches gradually.
The beach cleaning management plan is to be implemented from the forthcoming season. Four beaches that will not be considered for mechanized cleaning are those having turtle nestings at Morjim, Mandrem, Agonda and Galgibaga.
The Tourism Department will supervise the execution of the systems to ensure that the agency selected executes the work in an effective manner. “Both biodegradable and non-bio-degradable waste which is collected will have to be disposed off by the agency in a scientific manner,” this official said.
Presently, waste collected from the beach belt is disposed off in fields in a hazardous manner. Even though there is opposition to the mechanized beach cleaning systems from Greens, the tourism ministry has assured that the equipment procured will be eco-friendly and in no way cause harm to marine life or beach vegetation.
In the recent past Goa has been under severe criticism over its unclean beaches and absence of any proper systems for keeping its coastline free from garbage.
Stakeholders in the tourism industry have also time and again impressed on the government to clear up the mess first before erecting viewing towers. It was also opined that the filth and dirt was forcing foreign tourists, especially Europeans to skip Goa.
40 stretches are to be demarcated for introduction of the comprehensive beach management systems (mechanized and manual) with placement of dustbins every 100 meters and thrust on collection, segregation and treatment of biodegradable waste and appropriate disposal of non-biodegradable waste
