Dy sarpanch plays down Colva syringe issue

NT NETWORK
Posted on 2008-12-27
MARGAO- The deputy sarpanch of Colva panchayat, Mr Anthony Fernandes on Friday accepted that some medical waste in the form of used syringes was discovered at Colva beach but pointed out that the discovery of such waste was not confined to Colva beach only but it was found in patches on other beaches along the coast too.
Mr Fernandes who is looking after the affairs of the panchayat since the sarpanch, Ms Suzy Feranandes is on leave, said that the Colva police along with dy SP, Mr Umesh Gaoncar immediately took up the matter and all the syringes which were spotted on the beach were removed by the employees of Dhristi Beach Management.
The SP, Mr Allan D’Sa when asked about the actions taken by police with regard to finding syringes on the beach belts in Salcete, informed that the police are in the process of sending the samples to the Directorate of Health Services. He however said that what was found on the beach belt in Salcete looked like the medical waste and assured that the police will conduct further investigations into the matter.
Officials in the Tourism Department when contacted disclosed that the police have informed them that the medical waste that was discovered on some beaches in Salcete has already been sent for verification to the Directorate of Health Services however report of the same is awaited. Meanwhile, a visit to the beaches in Salcete revealed that quite a number of visitors and tourists have been enjoying the cool breeze on the beaches there and having a joyous time.