Sports Minister Govind Gaude, Cortalim MLA Anton Vas and others during the cleanliness drive at Velsao beach. Vikram Nayak
Cortalim MLA Anton Vas on Saturday said every Goan must take equal responsibility to keep their surroundings clean for the betterment of the State.
Vas was speaking to reporters during an international coastal clean-up drive at Veslsao in the presence of Sports Minister Govind Gaude and others.
“We are undertaking a cleanliness drive at Veslsao beach, which is one of the cleanest and most peaceful beached of my constituency and I congratulate people of Velsao for keeping the area clean.
“Goans are also tourist when they go to other places in the State and they must take equal responsibility to keep their areas clean as well. We cannot blame tourists every time because some locals also litter the place and this is an eyesore for international tourists.”
“All Goans must keep beaches clean because it is only when this happens that we can expect a good tourism season that generates revenue for locals,” said Vas.
Sports Minister Govind Gaude said oceans were a source of livelihood for stakeholders of tourism and fishing industries in the State.
“Beaches are also places of celebration, relaxation and even athletic activity like running, sailing, swimming and other beach games. It is our duty to protect beaches throughout the year,” said Gaude.
Former Velsao panch Roquezinho Dsouza said he had requested Gaude to get the sports department develop a dilapidated football ground of about 10,000 sq. mtrs, which was donated to Velsao Panchayat after being unused for several years, so that it would help the youth and promote development in the village.
