Daijiworld Media Network – Vasco

Vasco, Aug 3: Custodio D’Souza, President of the Old Cross Canoe Owners Society, has welcomed the government’s initiative to revive Kharewaddo beach but urged that beach cleaning efforts be carried out with sensitivity towards active fishing operations in the area.

“The demand for beach cleaning has been pending for years. Now, with the tourism minister’s visit, we feel hopeful. But our fishing operations, especially for solar shrimp, are currently at their peak. The use of heavy machinery or JCBs can disrupt our daily business. We request the government to time the works appropriately,” said D’Souza.

He also appealed to the authorities to equip the beach with better facilities. “We need proper illumination, lifeguards, and scientific methods to restore the beach, which has been severely eroded due to dredging by the Mormugao Port,” he said.

D’Souza assured that the association is willing to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness. “Once the beach is cleaned, we can monitor and warn violators, or even impose fines if necessary, to ensure it stays that way,” he added.