Neither the Streets of Goa are safe; nor the sea water at shore : Tourists please be beware!
High level of pathogens and faecal matter containing dangerous bacteria all along the shoreline in Goa, in sea water. Be safe, rather than sorry!
In perhaps the biggest indictment of the apathy of Goa Tourism Department and State Government of Goa; Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India has reported high level of human and animal faecal matter in the sea at popular tourist beaches of Goa. The levels of pathogens and contaminants present in sea water tested close to shore are multiple times high than the permissible limit.
The Foreign tourist who have visited Goa since the onset of Hippie culture; came here for clean pollution free environment; beaches enshrined among greenery besides hillock; with pristine blue water or “Deep Sea Green” water; as the case may be, depending on the algae and phytoplankton movement in the water.
Without any inhibition, one could just bolt into the Arabian Sea with all gay and gaiety, as a mark of freedom and cool oneself, in the blue waters; with the sole worry of an occasional Jelly Fish at your tails.
With the changing times, not only Goa has changed and it’s green cover and beaches; but also has changed the quality of sea water.
Considering the fact that, almost every Tourist who visits Goa; takes at least a dip into sea; and hardly only a few (foreigners) know how to swim in sea; they are confined to the waters close to the shacks and shore and do not venture far inside the waters; it is a very alarming report and the most damaging for Tourism in Goa.
Goa has just about 90 Kms of coastline, compared to 6000 Kms of coastline in entire India; instead of dipping into highly pathogen infested water; tourists have a choice of hundreds of much cleaner places, specially in neighbouring states.
While the Tourism Department of Goa under Tourism Minister launches one or other scheme to promote tourism in the state, every week; the total apathy towards the hygiene and cleanliness along the beaches and touristic places is evident, the moment you step on to a popular beach.
The biggest reason of this damaging report is the mushrooming of shacks and restaurants all across the coastline with tacit approval from local governing bodies, the Panchayat and State government departments; in lieu of commission.
While officially, there are only 359 Shacks, which get approval to operate in Goa; the real number is at least 6 times of that; and it could be easily verified by anyone; by just starting from the Northernmost Beach of Goa, Keri (Tiracol) to the Southernmost Beach at Palolem.
As far as the official shacks are concerned, they have to adhere to a plethora of rules from Goa Pollution Control Board supposedly; but many a times it is found that majority of even these “359” break all kinds of rules related to waste management and disposal, which includes raw sewage.
The unofficial shacks and restaurants are leased out in spaces being owned by locals; who do not even ask some basic questions like how would you dispose the sewage, when the building of “Sink Holes” or Sceptic Tanks are not allowed as they are well within the CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone).
Once these so called Shacks (Unofficial ones) get the electricity supply connected (more often illegal ones) and the water supply either through water tanker supply or borewell; they dug Sink Holes for sewage water; which also includes the human faecal waste in the sand itself; behind their kitchen and over or close to their toilets and showers.
These sink holes are barely just a few feet far from high tide line. Dug to a depth of 5 or 6 feet into sand; the sewage and waste matters easily gets idly mixed with ground water; as close to shore, if you dig just 2 feet in the sand, you can get sea water.
While many just discharge their sewage water into the nearby culverts or streams and creeks which are meeting the sea, all along the coast of Goa.
At some popular beach places in both South and North Goa; the stench coming from these small streams and creek is so overpowering; that one could start feeling nauseating immediately.
Yet, just besides the creek or streams, one may find multitude of restaurants doing business; with no one even imagining, where their pee or poo is going?
The complete indifference of State Government, Local governing bodies called Panchayats and those renting out places to these illegal shacks and restaurants is bewildering to say the least.
Openly complicit to not only damaging the environment to earn extra money; but damaging the reputation of the state; putting at risk the only economical activity of the state.
Colva in South Goa is a classic case. A beach which is frequented by high and mighty; as well as dignitaries from other countries; including First Lady of United Kingdom.
When confronted by local villagers about the human waste floating in Colva creek; the Sarpanch of Colva Village recently commented that, she has not been able to find out the source of waste discharge into Colva creek!
The statement which is highly irresponsible besides being hilarious shows the true colours of Goa; where the local inhabitants who have nothing to do with illegal transgressions and murky business; are left to fend themselves at their own; with no one to care for their woes.
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi just 2 days back did inauguration of the 37th National Games of India at Goa and proudly proclaimed that the National Games would lead to great rise in tourism and the economy of the state.
The common sense question is when no one is bothered about the cleanliness of safety of sea water for tourists as well as locals; the time is not far away; when only Cows and Bulls would take a dip at shore line along Goa; apart from foolhardy domestic tourists.
Safety is paramount for any traveller and tourist. While Goa has failed to be a safe tourist destination in last few years; there was a solace, that at least there is Sea and waters are safe. With this report of huge amounts of pathogens in sea water close to shore; any foreigner tourist should think twice, about their motive to visit Goa.
Neither the Streets of Goa are now safe; nor the Sea Water.
Choose wisely; Safety First!