Volunteers collecting waste along the beachside in Candolim as part of a clean-up effort.
Photo Credits: The Goan
MAPUSA
In a determined effort to maintain cleanliness along the coastal belt, the Candolim panchayat, along with villagers and tourism stakeholders, conducted a day-long beach cleaning drive, collecting nearly five tonnes of waste.
Despite the appointment of a new beach contractor by the tourism department, the panchayat took the initiative to organise the massive clean-up campaign. The drive, labelled as ‘The Great Candolim Clean-Up,’ commenced at 9 am and continued until 6 pm.
Spearheading the initiative, Candolim Sarpanch Blaize Fernandes, along with ten panchayat members, villagers, shack owners and local hoteliers, actively participated in the clean-up efforts.
“This cleanliness drive was planned entirely by the panchayat. Throughout the day, we managed to collect almost five tonnes of waste. Everyone joined hands to clear the mess along the beach and other surrounding areas,” Fernandes stated.
The panchayat provided the necessary labour force, equipment, transportation and logistical support, while business owners played a supervisory role in ensuring effective execution.
Fernandes emphasised the panchayat’s commitment to making Candolim the cleanest village in the State. He also raised concerns about construction debris being dumped by external elements, in addition to waste left behind by tourists.
Earlier, shack owners and local residents had lodged complaints about the inadequate garbage collection from the beach area.
Responding to these concerns, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo urged all coastal panchayats to assist the tourism department in maintaining cleanliness along the beaches and surrounding areas.
“There are pockets between the shacks and private properties behind the sand dunes where waste accumulates, often left behind by tourists and picnickers. These areas, filled with beach vegetation, are rarely cleared. We must ensure a clean and hygienic environment for visitors,” Lobo stressed.
The initiative by the Candolim panchayat highlights the need for collective action in preserving Goa’s pristine coastline and promoting responsible tourism.
****
Beach cleaning faces initial hurdles, will fall in place: Tourism Director
MAPUSA: The newly appointed beach cleaning contractor has encountered initial challenges in executing its duties, with Tourism Director Kedar Naik attributing the lapse to “teething problems.”
He expressed confidence that the system would stabilise within a month to 45 days. Naik assured that the department is actively monitoring the contractor’s performance, with reviews scheduled every 15 days.
He also noted that additional dustbins have been provided to the contractor to facilitate smoother operations. “The new contractor has just started and needs some time to get adjusted. These are teething problems. After a month to 45 days, we expect them to be on track,” Naik stated.
He further emphasised that the department will take necessary measures to ensure a proper system is in place.
The Department of Tourism recently awarded the contract for beach cleanliness to M/s Ecostan Infra Pvt Ltd, effective from March 1. The contract includes waste collection, segregation, transportation, and disposal across 51 designated beaches in North and South Goa.
