PANAJI
With a scientific study flagging antibiotic-resistant bacteria at Goa's recreational beaches, the Tourism Department appears rattled by findings that could influence the State's tourism image, seeking clarifications on a study conducted by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO).
In a communication, Director of Tourism Kedar A Naik has asked for a review of the reporting on the study covering 12 recreational beaches, seeking scientific inputs from NIO and publication of an appropriate clarification or follow-up report. The Goan had reported about NIO findings that claimed that Goa beaches harbour drug-resistant bacteria.
Interestingly, the department has directed its concerns to the media organisation that reported the findings, seeking clarification on bacterial species, concentrations, antibiotic-resistance profiles and beach-wise and seasonal variations- even though the research was conducted by NIO and the media merely reported its findings. The scientific questions surrounding the study would logically require answers from the institute that conducted the research.
“…you are requested to review the reporting of the said findings and publish an appropriate clarification or follow-up report, after obtaining the necessary scientific inputs from NIO,” Naik said while adding that the concerns raised by the department should not be construed as questioning the credibility of NIO's research or undermining the importance of environmental monitoring.
The department has questioned the NIO’s finding that 50 per cent of the beaches recorded poor or very poor water quality during the monsoon, pointing out that this refers to the conventional Water Quality Index (WQI) and does not automatically establish the presence of dangerous antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
However, the communication itself acknowledges that the absence of a significant correlation between WQI and the Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index (MARI) highlights the limitations of conventional water-quality assessments in determining microbiological conditions.
While distinguishing between bacterial detection and proven health risks is scientifically necessary, the department's repeated references to Goa's tourism identity, economy and livelihoods raise questions about whether protecting the destination's image is overshadowing the need to engage with the environmental concerns flagged by the research.
It has sought scientific inputs from the institute and called for a clarification addressing the study's findings and their implications for recreational water safety.
“Reports concerning the safety and environmental condition of these beaches have implications extending beyond and directly influence public confidence and perceptions of the destination,” the director said.
