The tourism department is mulling over a proposal that may see portable toilets dotting beaches in the coming tourism season. With Coastal Zone Regulation (CRZ) regulations preventing construction of permanent structures on beaches, the department is considering portable toilets as a solution as per a report in TOI by Krish Fernandes
"We are exploring various possibilities," says tourism director Swapnil Naik, adding "accessibility is an issue. Due to sand, suction tankers may be unable to reach certain areas to access these portable toilets."
Currently, only six permanent toilets constructed by the tourism department exist for the 101 km long coastline. Located at beaches of Colva, Benaulim, Miramar, Calangute, Vagator and Anjuna, these toilets are maintained by Sulabh Shauchalaya. Naik revealed, that around five agencies have shown interest in supplying the proposed 150-odd portable toilet units, most of which will be removed after the tourism season. The department also plans to construct around 10 permanent toilets at entry points of major beaches, for which Sulabh Shauchalaya has reportedly shown interest. |