Morjim locals raise concerns over scrap dumping on beach

Mapusa: Locals of Morjim village have raised serious concerns over the dumping of jet skis and vehicles in the tourism-designated area along the Morjim coast by the state-appointed lifesaving agency Drishti Marine. Locals said that they don’t want the beach to be converted into a scrapyard.
They said they are not opposing the agency, but they don’t want the area to be used as a dumping ground.
According to the sources, about 4,000sqm of land designated for tourism-related activities has been used for dumping jet skis and other materials by Drishti Marine.
After the concerns were raised by the villagers, the local MLA Jit Arolkar, along with the panchayat members, inspected the site at Morjim.
MLA said that he has spoken to the tourism minister and Drishti officials who assured him that the materials will be removed from the site.
He said that locals fear more scrap dumping in the area. He also said that previously the area was used by shack owners and fishermen to stack their materials during the rainy season.
Mojim sarpanch Pavan Morje said that there is panic among the locals after the dump. “If the property is given to the panchayat, we will take up the project, such as setting up a garden and beautification in the area,” Morje said.
“Following reports, we inspected the area and found that Drishti has placed scrap materials, including old jeeps and jet skis, in the area designated for parking, public amenities, and fishermen’s facilities. This unauthorised use, without local consultation, is concerning and has been raised with the department concerned and Drishti for immediate removal.” MLA Jit Arolkar said.