VASCO
Insisting there was no threat to fishermen at Blue Flag certified beaches, Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral on Thursday said Goa has to move at par with the world’s tourism industry.
“Blue Flag is only a certification stating the number of facilities available on the beach with designated areas for swimming or watersports activities, etc. There is no commercialisation of the beach and it will be maintained by the government,” Cabral told reporters.
“There are no restrictions and anyone can come on the beach and fishermen will also be allowed to use the beach.”
The minister said Blue Flag certified beaches will be divided into demarcated areas dedicated for swimming, water sports, etc. “There are already 22 beaches across India with the Blue Flag certification and they are doing wonderfully well,” said Cabral.
“Fishermen were always taken into confidence and they are a part of the beauty of the Blue Flag certification. They are promoted and protected more than anyone else.”
“When areas are designated for swimming or water sports activities, fishermen get maximum space on the beach and they must be allowed to conduct their activities,” said Cabral.
The minister said Goa was given the first preference when the union tourism ministry had decided to have Blue Flag certified beaches.
“But we have been lagging behind because some elements want to make this a political issue without having knowledge or attending so many presentations when the entire Blue Flag team arrives for awareness.”
“In Goa, 14 beaches were identified for the Blue Flag certification but the process has come to a standstill and some NGO even went to court over the Blue Flag certification of Miramar beach, which was the first beach to be taken up,” said Cabral.
“Ultimately, Goa is a tourist destination and we cannot say that we don’t want to be at par with world tourism. Today, tourists see facilities available online and look for Blue Flag certified beaches because there are proper toilets, changing rooms, parking, accessibility for disabled facilities, etc.”
