Morjim residents have taken it upon themselves to initiative a beach cleaning drive as the official authorities have failed to follow the 'Swachh Bharat' campaign near the coastal areas.
Morjim Beach, also known as the 'Turtle beach', is surrounded by beautiful scenery and lush vegetation. Its unique ecology makes it an ideal habitat for Olive Ridley sea turtles to lay their eggs. However, due to waste, the beach is filthy and in an unpleasant state.
Albert Fernandes, a resident from Morjim, is paying labourers to clean the beach out of his pocket.
"There were piles of rubbish at the turtle conservation site and even near the traditional boats. Due to which garbage is being carried into the sea. For past two months foreign tourists are collecting the garbage at the coastal side," Fernandes told Gomantak Times.
He also mentioned, domestic and foreign tourists come and take pictures of the garbage which goes viral on social media, further defaming the beaches.
"The tourism minister should look after the cleanliness of the shore, as it attracts tourism and allots certain agencies to pick up trash in the coastal areas," he said.
The residents are also demanding that the government should take this issue seriously and take action against the coastal waste pickers.
