the goan I network
MARGAO
Demanding that the three accused in the Betalbatim gangrape are tried in Goa and justice is meted out to the victim, Nuvem MLA Wilfred D’Sa, Betalbatim Sarpanch Constancio Miranda and other citizens on Friday urged district Collector, South to implement a host of measures at the Betalbatim beach belt to ensure the safety and security of the visitors.
A delegation comprising of the Nuvem MLA along with ZP member Nelly Rodrigues, the Betalbatim sarpanch and others submitted a memorandum to the District Collector Anjali Sehrawat to intensify surveillance measures on the beach, installation of CCTV cameras, police patrolling and patrolling by the local committee. They also urged the district Collector to call a joint meeting with the concerned authorities to draw up a common action plan to implement the safety and security measures.
The Collector later told the media that she would convene a joint meeting of the authorities and the stakeholders to put in place security measures, including patrolling of the beach by the police.
Stressing on awareness on social and print media, the memorandum called for displaying of warning sign boards, erection of gates at entry point of beaches and compulsory registration of migrants.
Demanding illumination and beautification of the beaches, the memorandum has called for the installation of high mast and four-arm lamps; installation of solar lamps, cleaning of beach and trimming of trees and bushes.
Other safety measures mooted in the memorandum includes a ban on college students in uniforms on the beach, ban on driving and open drinking on the beach, employment of locals for beach cleaning, maintenance and vigilance. The memorandum has also called for interactive meetings with higher authorities and local panchayat bodies and a check on picnickers for maintaining cleanliness and safety.
While demanding surprise checks by the narcotic cell, the memorandum has requested the Collector to hold meetings with the local MLA as well as the stakeholders, who are connected to initiation of action on the resolutions passed by the citizens.
The delegation led by the MLA has called on the District Collector against the backdrop of the meeting called by the Betalbatim panchayat, wherein it was resolved to approach the authorities, including the Collector, Home department, Goa Tourism and government of India to initiate immediate corrective measures to restore the lost confidence and glory of the village.
