PERNEM
The Covid pandemic seems to have had little impact on hundreds of domestic tourists who have flocked to Pernem’s coast for celebrations to usher in the New Year.
Catering to this huge demand, several organisers have organised EDM parties along the coast at Morjim, Mandrem and Ashwem.
Incidentally, these beaches have already been declared as ‘silent zones’, as they are nesting sites for the Olive Ridley turtles.
When contacted, Pernem Deputy Collector Ravishankar Nipanikar clarified that he has not granted permission to anyone to organise such parties.
The party organisers have, however, claimed to have obtained the necessary support from the top, indicating that they have the political backing to host such parties. They were, however, unable to show permission from authorities to organise their parties on December 31.
The huge influx of tourists who have ignored social distancing and other safety protocols have been a cause for concern among locals along Pernem’s coast, especially in view of the new strain of the Covid virus. Locals have also complained that a large number of tourists recklessly park their vehicles in public spaces, causing hardships to other people.
