MARGAO Fishermen too have not ventured out in the sea because of the fisheries department ban on account of the BRICS Summit. Instead, the beach is now playing host to the anti-aircraft guns and radars installed by the Indian Army and personnel in army fatigues. Reason: Vaddi beach is just a stone's throw away from Taj Exotica Resort -- the venue of the two-day BRICS Summit, beginning Saturday and the administration is leaving nothing to chance to ensure unprecedented security cover all along Salcete coastal belt never seen in recent years. The installation of the two anti-aircraft guns on the beach and the radar are all part of the massive security arrangements. Normally the beach used to receive a host of visitors when fishermen pulled the rampon. But over the last few days, locals make it to the beach to have a glimpse of the aircraft guns installed right in their backyard. Says local resident, Anthony Fernandes: "Fishing activity has come to a halt at Vaddi beach in view of the summit. The installation of the anti-aircraft guns on the beach has turned out to be an attraction for locals, including children." A stroll down the beach reveals that the beachfront of Taj Exotica has been completely cordoned off from the Vaddi beach with barricades, extending right into the sea, manned by armed National Security guards and the local police. Elsewhere, while the Coast Guard and the Navy is patrolling the Arabian sea, the coastal police have been entrusted the task of maintaining vigil at the mouth of river Sal and in the river. Hotel Leela Palace, Cavelossim, is another venue of the BRICS Summit and the administration has already banned the landing of fishing vessels at the Cutbona fishing jetty located right opposite the summit venue. While Cuncolim police have made their presence felt at the Cutbona fishing jetty, the Betul coastal police is maintaining a vigil along river Sal, leaving nothing to chance as the heads of the five countries are scheduled to arrive late Friday night and early Saturday for the summit. A senior officer told The Goan that fool-proof security cover has been thrown around the summit venue to meet any threat from air, sea, land and rivers. An anti-aircraft gun installed at the Vaddi beach in Benaulim close to Taj Exotica Resort, the venue of the BRICS Summit and army personnel on guard at Taj Exotica. Pics: Santosh Mirajkar Army tanks and radars take cover on Salcete's coast; Goa police put on guard at river Sal.
Benaulim all decked and bricked up for BRICS
Fishing gear and boats have literally gone missing from the Vaddi beach -- the traditional fishing hub in Benaulim village -- since the last few days.
