The next time you visit Goa and decide to spend a day at the beaches, chances are that you will be pleasantly surprised. Plans are afoot to install fresh water showers and changing rooms at most of the state’s beaches.
The government wants to overhaul Goa’s beach shack policy and also throw in a trick or two, learnt from popular sea-side destinations abroad. “Currently it’s chaotic at the beaches during season,” said tourism minister Dileep Parulekar, adding, “There are hardly any toilet facilities and visitors are often seen seeking the cover of sand dunes or bushes.” He also said that the water sports policy would be streamlined and made more tourist friendly.
“The most important requirement is creating practical facilities for tourists on the beaches. They come there, they need to change clothes when they go for a swim. We are trying to bring in changing rooms for them on the beaches,” added Mr Parulekar.
Stating that the beach shack policy would be ready before next season, chief minister Digambar Kamat said, “I am consulting with the tourism minister and private players. We will be coming up with a comprehensive shack police.”
Mr Parulekar said that the plan included installing “freshwater showers for people to have a bath and get refreshed after swimming in the sea.”
“There will also be other facilities like designated parking areas, toilets and high mast lights at night,” the minister added.
The security aspect too is being looked into. The tourism minister said that the government was looking into building a watch tower at the populous Baga beach for security personnel and life guards.
Water sports activities would also be streamlines as the policy would ensure that jet skis, banana boats etc. did not wander from “designated” areas and land in shallow water or amid shoals of jelly fish which could have serious implications.