The growing number of drowning deaths on the city’s beaches has prompted the BMC to seek help from the Goa government to ensure beach safety.
Standing committee chairman Rahul Shewale said, “The BMC has decided to prepare a new plan for the safety and beautification of Mumbai’s beaches. For this, we have held discussions with Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar asking him to assist the BMC on beach security measures. He has assured all possible help in this regard.”
Goa’s government has prepared a beach safety management programme to ensure speedy rescue during natural calamities and disasters. Mr Shewale said, “Taking a cue from their efforts, we have decided to seek Goa’s help. Mr Parrikar is expected to visit the civic headquarters this month when the final plan will be prepared.”
Mumbai’s beaches have been increasingly proving dangerous for tourists, with 10 drowning deaths reported in the first month of the monsoon this year. There were as many as 23 deaths due to drowning last year.
The corporators blamed the lack of equipment for beach safety guards for the rise in the number of drowning deaths. BJP group leader Dilip Patel said, “The beach safety guards are woefully short of proper equipment to prevent drowning deaths on beaches. There is a need to provide them with modern equipment like rescue scooters, rescue rockets etc. The BMC should also declare danger zones on city beaches.”
The BMC has deployed 35 lifeguards on the city’s six major beaches, to ensure tourist safety. Of them, there are only 12 permanent lifeguards, while the rest have been appointed on a temporary basis.