Team Goemkarponn
CAVELOSSIM: Sticky tar deposits reappeared along parts of South Goa’s coastline on Tuesday morning, raising fresh worries among tourism operators, fishermen and local authorities. The otherwise clean Cavelossim-Mobor stretch was found dotted with oil-based lumps, unsettling early visitors including tourists and fishing communities.
Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz, who noticed the deposits during his morning walk, said the tar balls were scattered across several sections of the beach. He promptly informed the tourism department and alerted the agency responsible for beach maintenance, calling for immediate action to restore the shoreline.
Cleanup operations were launched within hours, with workers deployed to the affected areas by midday. The effort gained momentum with support from local stakeholders, including nearby resorts that assisted the panchayat in clearing the загрязнения on priority.
Officials later confirmed that most of the affected stretch had been cleaned by evening, allowing regular beach activity to resume.
Despite the quick response, Vaz cautioned that the repeated occurrence of tar balls remains a pressing concern. He explained that such deposits are common during this time of year, as oil released into the sea by ships hardens into lumps and eventually washes ashore.
He stressed the need for stronger coordination between state and central agencies to tackle the root of the problem. “This goes beyond a local issue. There must be strict monitoring and action against vessels that illegally discharge oil into the sea,” he said.
Tourism stakeholders warned that such incidents could harm Goa’s image as a clean and attractive destination. “People visit for pristine beaches and a peaceful atmosphere. Situations like this can negatively impact the state’s appeal,” Vaz added.
Fishermen also expressed concern, noting that tar balls, along with plastic and other debris that reach the shore during this period, disrupt their fishing operations.
Authorities and local stakeholders have once again called for long-term measures, including tighter maritime surveillance and preventive strategies, to protect Goa’s coastline from recurring pollution.
