Panaji, Sep 16 (PTI): Goa Government today launched a campaign to make the State's beaches, which attract millions of tourists from all over India and abroad, free of garbage within a year.

Private contractors given the job to clean-up the seasides dotting Goa have started the work on a daily basis.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar launched 'clean Goa beautiful Goa' campaign, which will see several hundred personnel working to restore the natural charm of the shorelines. 

"All the beaches would be garbage-free within a year.

By December 19 this year, almost 90-95 per cent of the garbage will disappear from the beaches," said Parrikar.

The Government has given the task to two private agencies, who will lift garbage manually for a few months before shifting to mechanised cleaning.

Parrikar said the contract is for five years and would be renewed annually. Monitoring committees have been formed to certify the cleanliness on the beaches.

"The bills of the contractors will be cleared only after the committee is satisfied with their work."

State Director of Tourism Ameya Abhyankar said the cleanliness drive would be stepped up during the festive season.