Garbage continues to plague Colva beach

COLVA: Colva beach, famed as the queen of South Goa beaches, continues to be one of the biggest victims of the public's lackadaisical attitude to garbage disposal. Sources said that while tourists are often seen discarding bottles, cans, plastic bags, and food packets on the beach, locals operating restaurants and shacks dump food items and other types of wet garbage on land behind the establishments.

Guest house owner Constancio Crasto said though he has complained to the panchayat about the issue, its representatives claim that since the land belongs to the tourism department, the onus of clearing it lies on the department. Criticising some restaurant and shack owners for the mess, Crasto said, "Guests have to walk through this stink to access my guest house. However, people dirtying the beach do not seem to understand the issues we face." He also said that since most shacks lack adequate toilet facilities, their staff are compelled to use the shrubbery behind the shack for their ablutions.

Upon visiting Colva beach, TOI found that disposable bags filled with garbage were yet to be lifted, even as fresh garbage was already strewn in various locations.

Ward member Lauriana Fernandes said besides bringing the issue to the notice of the tourism department, she has also moved an application in the panchayat to find a solution to the issue.

Tourism director Menino D'Souza, in turn, said it was the beach-cleaning agency's job to maintain the shore. "We are aware that restaurant owners clandestinely dump garbage on our land. We will now keep a watch and come down heavily on any violator if found," he said.