The city has magnificent beaches and thousands of tourists flock in every now and then. However, the footfall isn't indicative of the actual quality of beaches in the city. Although the state government and the municipal corporation is taking measures to make these beaches tourist-friendly, there is still a long way to go.
Thomas Thottathil, head, corporate communications and CSR at Cox and Kings, told DNA about the sad state of city's beaches. "Beaches are one of the most important tourist places. Tourists who come from the North do not have access to the sea. Even people who come for professional reasons visit the sea. Considering the rush, beaches are not up to the mark if compared to other beaches popular among tourists. The comparison can be made in terms of safety, infrastructure as well as hygiene and pollution," Thottathil added.
Aloke Bajpai, CEO and Co-founder, ixigo, expressed similar veiws. "With over 28 incidents of drowning reported earlier this year, the city still has to put in a lot of work in terms of building an effective safety protocol. The city beaches also suffer from improper waste management which impacts cleanliness along the shore."
The Fire Brigade has decided to hire more lifeguards. As of now, there are 36 lifeguards and the civic body will be increasing the number to 93, said an officer from the Fire Brigade. These guards will be deployed on six city beaches — Girgaum, Dadar, Juhu, Versova, Aksa-Manori and Gorai. The estimated cost of hiring these lifeguards for three years is around 10 crore, he added. Civic authorities have deligated the beach cleaning contract for five years.
Beaches are now cleaned with the use of advanced technology and that is how sand is not lifted during waste collection. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is spending more than Rs 2 lakh on cleaning beaches every day.
"To receive the badge of international standard, city beaches will have to comply with a host of tourism and environment-related prerogatives, which also includes the condition of being completely plastic-free," said Aloke Bajpai.