As millions visit Goa, the government must ensure efficiency to retain the state’s image
A new beach cleaning contractor has been appointed by the Goa government for a period of five years. The Tourism Department’s contract with Bengaluru-based firm Karnataka Commercial and Industrial Corporation (KCIC) Pvt Ltd ended in mid-2023, and it was given an extension until the new agency started work. The government had come under criticism during the assembly last year for the delay in appointing a new agency. The opposition questioned why the government did not initiate the process to appoint a new agency earlier. The tender was then floated in August last year.
The Tourism Department took its time to evaluate and scrutinise bids. They had to be thorough because a case of irregularities in the beach cleaning contract had rocked the state around a decade ago. Interestingly, one of the complainants in the “beach cleaning multi-crore scam” was present Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, who at the time was a vociferous Independent MLA representing Porvorim constituency. There were allegations of corruption and favouritism against the then tourism minister. The Anti-Corruption Branch took up the matter, but there was no progress. Goa Lokayukta investigated the matter and found irregularities in the contract, and observations were passed against the then tourism minister. The ombudsman, in its report to the government, had recommended the reopening of the ACB probe with a suggestion that the matter could be referred to the CBI. It was also found that some false bills were submitted by the contractor and that the Tourism Department had failed to scrutinise them properly. Considering this experience, the Tourism Department has to be vigilant.
The new agency has been appointed with effect from March 1. The term of the contract is five years, with a possible extension of up to two years based on performance. The contract covers the collection, segregation, transportation, and disposal of waste on 51 nominated beaches across North and South Goa. As per the contract, beach cleaning activities will be conducted daily in two shifts: 6am to 12pm and 4pm to 8pm.
The contractor is responsible for lifting all types of waste, including plastic bottles, glass bottles, paper, cardboard, empty wrappers, metal objects, food waste, tree leaves, discarded goods, carcasses of fish and marine animals, tar balls, oil spills, flood debris, and waste generated by beach shacks and restaurants. Segregated waste from North Goa beaches will be transported to the Solid Waste Management Plant (SWMP) at Saligao, while waste from South Goa beaches will be transported to the SWMP at Cacora in Curchorem for proper disposal.
A total of 122 approach roads leading to the 51 beaches have been identified for regular cleaning. As per the contract, the agency has to ensure cleanliness up to 100m from the beach entrance and deploy adequate labourers and two road-sweeping machines for this purpose. The department said that 52 supervisors have been appointed to oversee cleaning operations across various beaches for “quality control and efficiency.” To maintain cleanliness, it said that 240-litre dustbins will be placed at 50 m intervals, while 660-litre bins will be installed at beach entrances and other high-footfall locations.
Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, said that with an efficient waste management system in place, “we aim to preserve the natural beauty of our coastline while promoting responsible tourism practices.” It’s the government’s responsibility to ensure cleanliness as millions visit our beaches. It should reflect the government vision of ‘Clean Goa.’
