Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a pressing appeal to the Tourism Ministry, the Shack Owners Welfare Society Goa (SOWS-GOA) has written to the Tourism Minister and the Director of Tourism to address the critical issue of irregular garbage collection by the beach cleaning contractor along the Calangute and Candolim belt.
The letter, dated December 11, 2024, and signed by Cruz Cardozo, President of SOWS-GOA, highlights the persistent problem of unscheduled and inadequate garbage collection by the contractor appointed by the Department of Tourism.
Despite repeated complaints, the contractor has failed to maintain a regular schedule, often citing vehicle breakdowns as the reason.
This negligence has resulted in an unsanitary environment on the beaches, which not only tarnishes Goa’s reputation as a prime tourist destination but also poses significant health and environmental risks.
Key Demands and Concerns
The shack owners, who diligently ensure proper waste management within their premises, are seeking immediate intervention to resolve this issue. The letter outlines three primary demands:
Ensure Consistent Service: The contractor must fulfill their obligations consistently to maintain cleanliness on the beaches.
Contingency Plans: Establish contingency plans to prevent service interruptions due to vehicle breakdowns or other issues.
Stricter Accountability: Impose stricter accountability measures on the contractor to avoid recurring lapses in service.
“As shack owners, we diligently ensure proper waste management practices within our premises, but the lack of support from the contractor undermines our efforts,” stated Cruz Cardozo in the letter. He emphasized that this situation “requires immediate intervention to ensure the contractor fulfills their obligations consistently.”
The issue of garbage collection is not new to Goa, particularly in tourist areas like Calangute and Candolim. The beaches, known for their golden sands and vibrant atmosphere, attract millions of tourists each year. However, the failure to manage waste effectively can lead to severe environmental and health consequences, affecting both locals and tourists alike.
If the issue is not addressed promptly, it could lead to a decline in tourism, as visitors are deterred by the unsanitary conditions. Additionally, the environmental impact could be severe, with potential harm to marine life and the overall ecosystem of the beaches, say Shack Owners.
The shack owners are awaiting a prompt resolution and are prepared to engage in further discussions to ensure that the necessary actions are taken. The society has expressed their trust that the government will prioritize this issue for the benefit of Goa’s tourism and environment.
