VASCO
Stating that active steps are being taken to tackle the menace of tar balls on beaches, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said he has directed the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) to collect samples of tarballs for tests.
Speaking to reporters, Khaunte said he visited Arossim beach to get first-hand information about the problems pertaining to tar balls on the beach.
"Tar balls on coastline have been a challenge we face every year and we need to do something about this. People have been complaining about these issues and oil spillage in the high sea may be the reason. We are also trying to see how best we can handle the issue.”
“The GSPCB has been given orders to clean the beach and beach-cleaning teams are doing the job. We have to find solutions and we are also tying up with people handling hazardous waste. Tar balls on the coastline are a very serious issue because it spoils the coastline and has its own environmental issues," said Khaunte.
"We have reviewed the situation and have asked GSPCB to take samples for analysis so that we can work out a solution after the reports arrive. We will also talk to the union shipping ministry and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to take the final call of what steps need to be taken after the results arrive," said Khaunte.
