the goan I network
PERNEM
Expressing anger over installation of signboards in Russian language, residents of Morjim have demanded that the panchayat should remove the signboards.
Morjim beach is all set to welcome the new tourist season, as businessmen are busy erecting shacks, cottages and renovating their hotels and restaurants along with installation of signboards in Russian language.
Most of the signboards in Morjim area are in Russian language, including the board of the Forest department informing about turtle nesting site at Morjim beach. The villagers have expressed anger over the signboards in Russian language and have asked the local panchayat and the government authorities to act in the matter.
During the tourist season, especially in October, many Russian tourists thronged Morjim beach. Many Russians have partnered with the local businessmen, with some Russians even owning business.
Sources said Morjim itself has earned the name ‘Mini Russia' or ‘Moscow beach of India' from the Russian tourists. When contacted, Morjim Sarpanch Amit Shetgaonkar said he will sent notices to the persons who have installed the signboards in Russian language. "We will direct them to remove the signboards and if they fail to remove it, then appropriate action will be initiated according to law," warned Shetgaonkar.
The Morjim Ekvott organisation president Abba alias Vasant Shetgaonkar said it is the responsibility of the panchayat to remove the Russian signboards. "Three years ago, the Morjim residents and taxi owners had organised a mass protest against the Russian signboards and later the signboards were removed," he added. "Citizen from any part of the world is welcome to do business here, but they should not disturb the environment by erecting Russian signboards," stated Shetgaonkar. A social worker, Amit Sawant said: "The panchayat should take initiative to remove the signboards."
The Morjim Tourist Taxi Owners Association president Sanjay Kole threatened to block roads if the panchayat fails to remove the Russian signboards.
