from Ares
for Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (GA)

Panaji, Apr 28: The state government has envisaged ambitious beach safety management plan to arrest the increasing deaths owing to drowning on its beaches frequented by around 25 lac tourists annually.
 
"We have taken two stretches during initial stages which will be covered with this plan," director of tourism Elvis Gomes told reporters here.
 
Both stretches, Baga to Candolim (eight kms) and Velsao to Benaulim (eleven kms), have witnessed increased fatalities in the recent years, Gomes said.
 
"The beach safety plan will have prevention, rescue and medical attention aspects included in it," he said.
 
The state government, which has failed to control fatalities despite posting 57 lifeguards on various beach stretches, has decided to contract the work to a private firm. "We have invited bids and the process will be finalised very soon," the director said.
 
The department has also decided to control increasing water sports along the beaches which are crowded with the tourists. "The state government has budgeted rupees five crore for this purpose which includes capital investment," he said.
 
The state gained notoriety for increasing drowning cases on its beaches with state recording 400-odd deaths in last five years as per the reply submitted on the floor of the house.
 
Increasing filth on the beaches and garbage had also raised concern amongst the tourists. "We will be covering all these aspects in the plan," Gomes said.
 
After initial two stretches, the tourism departmet intends to cover most of the stretches in staggered manner, he said