Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that complaints related to garbage on beaches received through the Beach Vigil App are being acted upon swiftly, with waste cleared within a two hour timeframe. He said the system has improved response efficiency and helped authorities address cleanliness issues in real time.
The Minister was responding during Zero Hour in the ongoing winter session of the Goa Legislative Assembly to concerns raised by Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo. He said agencies responsible for beach maintenance have been instructed to prioritise cleanliness and ensure that efforts are sustained consistently rather than addressed in isolation.
Khaunte stressed that maintaining clean beaches requires a collective and continuous approach. He said the government’s focus is not limited to creating digital systems alone, but also ensuring that follow up action is taken promptly with full departmental support. According to him, all issues highlighted by legislators and the public are being taken seriously and resolved on priority.
The Tourism Minister said beach cleaning and maintenance is an ongoing responsibility, particularly during peak tourism seasons when footfall increases significantly. He acknowledged that challenges arise during such periods and assured the House that the department is actively working to manage the pressure on coastal infrastructure and sanitation services.
Addressing concerns over manpower, Khaunte clarified that existing tenders for beach cleaning do not specify a fixed number of workers. He assured legislators that he would instruct the Director of the Department of Tourism to review manpower deployment and assess actual requirements on the ground to ensure effective waste management.
During the discussion, MLA Delilah Lobo drew attention to the condition of beaches at Anjuna, Vagator and Chapora. She highlighted the need for adequate staffing and regular waste clearance to maintain cleanliness and uphold environmental standards in popular tourist areas.
Responding to these concerns, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting Goa’s beaches, which are central to the state’s tourism economy. He said sustained monitoring, timely grievance redressal and appropriate manpower deployment would remain key priorities to ensure that Goa’s coastline remains clean, safe and welcoming for both tourists and local residents.
