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Saturday, Sep 17, 2005

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National

A threat to beach tourism

Special Correspondent

SERIOUS DAMAGE: The dead sea creatures, seen lined around the rounded objects, that were washed ashore with the oil, along the south Goan Coast. — Photo: Arvind Tengse

PANAJI: At a time when Goa is gearing for a big season ahead, the oily substances and oil balls continue to threaten its beach belt in the south part of the State.

This is for the second time this year such oily substances coming from the high sees have affected the beaches in this coastal tourist state. On July 27 the substance was found on the beaches of Benaulim and the Varca belt of south Goa. The substance reappeared on the 20-km stretch starting from Baina beach off the port city of Vasco da Gama on Thursday and the local fishermen brought to the notice of the authorities.

The most affected are the tourist beaches of Baina, Bogmolo, Majorda, Arossim and Utorda. Major coastal resorts, which are looking forward to huge international tourist arrivals, are located on these beaches.

The Coast Guard has begun to conduct sorties by helicopters to assess the damage.

The Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister, Wilfred de Souza, said that he was worried about this as the State was now on the verge of tourist season. "I am very concerned. I have taken it up with the Coast Guard. Let us leave it to them," said Mr. de Souza.

Last time when such oily substances were found, the Coast Guard report attributed he phenomenon to the churning in the sea in the aftermath of tsunami and related problems, he said.

The Department of Tourism has deployed its men to remove the substance from the affected beaches in two days and dispose it of according to the guidelines of the Environment Ministry.

"Not so serious"

The Goa State Pollution Control Board Chairman, L.U. Joshi, said the Coast Guard had indicated that it could be the end product of the oil emptied by tankers and vessels at the high seas.

The sea was so vast that one could not expect the Coast Guard also to solve the problem, he said. Asked about the gravity of situation, particularly in regard to the marine life, Mr. Joshi said the problem was not that serious.

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