Tourism Minister Khaunte fulfills assembly assurance, reviews Kharewada Beach restoration
VASCO :
Fulfilling a commitment made on the floor of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte on Saturday undertook a review of Kharewada beach in Vasco, initiating steps for its restoration and development as a community-focused tourism destination.
Mr. Khaunte was accompanied by Vasco MLA Krishna Daji Salkar, Director of Tourism Kedar Naik, Municipal Councillor Shami Salkar, and other departmental officials during the inspection. The visit comes less than a week after the minister assured action on concerns raised in the Assembly regarding the beach’s deteriorating condition.
During the inspection, the delegation assessed issues related to waste accumulation, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation. In a phased approach, the Tourism Department now plans to rejuvenate the beach while working closely with the local fishing community and civic bodies.
“Last year, MLA Krishna Daji Salkar highlighted cleanliness concerns at Kharewada. We responded by integrating it into our beach cleaning framework. This visit marks the beginning of a more structured and holistic effort,” Mr. Khaunte said.
He further emphasised the importance of involving the Niz Goenkar fishing community in maintaining the beach, stating that public awareness and local responsibility would be crucial in ensuring long-term sustainability. The minister underlined that tourism remains a key pillar of the state’s economy and holds potential for broad-based employment generation.
According to officials, the development plan for Kharewada beach will prioritise ecological preservation while creating tourism-linked livelihood opportunities. Alongside beautification, the department is also working with allied agencies to resolve underlying sanitation and waste management issues in the area.
A comprehensive action plan is expected to be finalised in consultation with local stakeholders, placing community participation at the core of the initiative. Once restored, the beach is envisioned not only as a recreational site for visitors but also as a venue for community gatherings, traditional festivals, and cultural events.
The initiative is part of Goa’s broader emphasis on regenerative tourism practices and decentralised planning mechanisms aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable destination development.
