PERNEM
Goa may be hailed for its sun, sea and sand, but some parts of the Pernem coastline are also being criticised for stink, noise, congestion and dust, so much so that hordes of Russian tourists are now arriving in Goa but shifting base to beaches across Sindhudurg in neighbouring Maharashtra.
Many Russian tourists have been seen taking the ferries from Keri to Terekhol to proceed to Sindhudurg or are riding two-wheelers from Pernem to the neighbouring Konkan region via the Aronda-Kiran Pani bridge.
“The coastal areas in Maharashtra are cleaner, noise-free and less congested, with fewer concrete structures. There are also many tourist spots in Maharashtra to visit,” explained a Russian tourist, when local reporters interacted with some of these Russian tourists for their decision to move to beaches in Sindhudurg.
Other Russian tourists expressed disappointment over poor facilities at the beaches in Morjim, Ashwem, Mandrem, Harmal and Keri.
When contacted, locals admitted to the claims of the Russian tourists.
“There are no facilities at these beaches, except for traffic jams and noise pollution. The roads are all dug up and there is lot of dust everywhere. Which is why, these tourists prefer to shift to coastal areas in Maharashtra,” said a local.
Another local said the beaches in Pernem do not provide any infrastructure facilities like changing rooms, clean washrooms, drinking water facility, parking etc.
“There are no starred hotels in Morjim, Ashwem, Mandrem, Harmal or Keri-Terekhol and therefore high-end tourists do not prefer to stay at these places,” said the local.
