PANAJI: The state has launched an app that will enable key stakeholders to track and address complaints about illegal hawkers, garbage dumps on the shores, emergencies and other violations.
Given the plethora of complaints along the state's popular beaches, the state government has launched an app-Goa Beach Vigil-which will enable key stakeholders such as Goa Police, Goa Tourism, Drishti and shack operators to track and address complaints about illegal hawkers, garbage dumps on the shores, medical emergencies and other violations.
Chief minister Pramod Sawant and tourism minister Rohan Khaunte said that the app will help address the violations and complaints that arise on the beach. However, Sawant said that the onus also lies with the tourists and locals to keep Goa's beaches clean.
"Today it has become a habit to blame the government for everything. That is why we need to have collective responsibility if we want to make Goa one of the best destinations for tourists," said Sawant at the launch of the app.
The app has been developed by Goa Electronics Limited which allows five agencies to report, respond and act on violation, illegalities and complaints reported at each beach site. In the first phase, the app will be open only for tourism department officials, Karnataka Commercial and Industrial Corporation Pvt Ltd that is responsible for cleaning the beaches, Drishti, shack owners and Goa Police. The users will be able to click photographs, record videos and tag the location on the app. In the second phase, the government may open up the mobile app for all citizens.
"I think a lot of things will start finding accountability and that will allow us to start the first phase of thinking about clean and safe beaches. This is a pilot and after working for the next couple of months on this app, we will understand what are the shortfalls before making it a public interface," the tourism minister said.
The tourism minister said the department is working on an integrated plan for beach cleaning. He also said that problems related to tourism need to be addressed in a real-time manner so that tourists do not go back with bad experiences. He said that the department has found that the various government agencies struggle to coordinate their efforts while safeguarding the beaches.
"We need to give a very strong message of clean and safe beaches. There is still litter around, there is a complaint there are bottles which are being broken in the sand. You have touts who are easily operating. You have hawkers who are actually harassing the tourists. We have illegal massages. We are so many things on the beach that tourists keep complaining about not having not having been able to have a good time," said Khaunte.
