PANAJI
Concerned over the burning of plastic waste on beaches in Pernem taluka, a group of foreign tourists have appealed to authorities to work out an effective solution to this problem.
Russian actor, poet and composer Pavel Boloyangov with his movement ‘Clean Up Around You’ has been trying to create awareness among locals about environmental pollution caused due to burning of plastic and dumping of plastic waste on beaches at Morjim, Mandrem, Keri, Arambol, and Ashvem.
Pavel and other tourists have written to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the panchayats, police, Goa Pollution Control Board and the tourism department to curb incidents of burning plastic.
Pavel is also meeting up with officials to make them aware of the problem.
“I managed to meet the Director of Environment and Climate Change and raised several issues. He promised to send an inspector to Arambol this week,” said Pavel.
Besides petitioning authorities, Pavel and others have been creating awareness among locals.
“We are trying to create awareness among locals that burning plastic is harmful to people. I am doing this in gratitude towards India as I have great respect for this place,” said Pavel, who has been collecting plastic waste from various beaches.
“If the environment is polluted, then high-end tourists will not visit Goa and this will affect the tourism industry,” warned Pavel.
“Unfortunately, people don't understand the seriousness of the issue. They often call me mad,” admitted Pavel.
