TNNColva: Rs 11.67-crore beautification project under Swadesh Darshan scheme raises questions over maintenance and accountability What was envisioned as an ‘iconic beach’ under the Swadesh Darshan scheme is increasingly falling into neglect, with Colva beach’s promenade emitting a foul stench ollowing the overflow of a sewage chamber.The chamber, connected to the bathing and toilet facilities inside the children’s park near the beach, was reportedly choked, causing sewage to spill over and spread an unbearable stench across the surrounding area.Tourist taxi operators stationed near the site said the sewage had been overflowing since Saturday. They also alleged that no personnel from the Tourism Department, the Sewerage Infrastructure Development Corporation (SIDC) or the Public Works Department (PWD) had visited the site to address the problem until Monday.The incident has once again brought the maintenance of Colva beach’s tourism infrastructure into focus, particularly in view of the Rs 11.67 crore sanctioned under the Swadesh Darshan scheme in 2018 to transform the beach into an iconic tourist destination.Junior Engineer Bhushan Bhat of the SIDC confirmed that the bathing and toilet facilities operated by the Tourism Department were connected to the Colva sewage treatment plant (STP). He assured that steps would be taken on a war footing to clear the blocked chamber and stop the sewage overflow.Colva Sarpanch and ward panch member Teresa Silva rushed to the site after being informed of the problem. She said SIDC personnel had arrived and assured that immediate action would be taken to stop the overflow.According to sources in the SIDC, the blockage may have been caused by sand accumulating in the chamber as tourists use the bathing facilities to wash off after spending time on the beach. The accumulated sand reportedly obstructs the flow of sewage, resulting in blockages.Tourism Director Kedar Naik, upon being informed of the incident by TOI, immediately directed the SIDC and his department’s staff to resolve the problem on a war footing.A project envisioned as a major tourism attraction now appears to be struggling with basic sanitation issues, undermining the promise of a world-class beach experience.Colva panch member Pio Furtado expressed concern over the deterioration of the facilities, pointing out that the beach had undergone a massive beautification drive intended to establish it as an iconic tourist destination..
About The Author
