Panaji, May 7:Goa, internationally known for its beach tourism, continues to attract thousands of tourists and locals to its coastal stretches every year. However, serious concerns have now been raised over the poor condition of basic public facilities at Siridao Beach in the St Andre constituency.

Social activist and academician Prof Ramrao Wagh has exposed the deteriorating and unhygienic condition of public washrooms at the beach, which is frequented not only by tourists but also by locals, especially during the summer season when many visit the beach for bathing, believing seawater has medicinal benefits.

According to Wagh, the toilet facilities constructed around 2013 are presently in a completely dilapidated and unusable condition. The makeshift structures are reportedly filthy, damaged, and surrounded by stagnant dirty water allegedly caused by leaking pipes and overflowing tanks connected to the toilets.

The facility includes separate washrooms for men and women along with one toilet designated for physically disabled persons. However, Wagh pointed out that the so-called accessible toilet is itself difficult and unsafe for differently-abled individuals to use due to the poor condition and lack of proper access infrastructure.

He further stated that using these facilities poses a serious health and safety risk to visitors. The maintenance contract of the washrooms is currently with Sulabh International. While the operators are reportedly attempting to keep the facilities functional, Wagh alleged that the structures themselves have deteriorated to such an extent that routine maintenance alone cannot resolve the issue.

Highlighting Goa’s image as a major tourism destination, Wagh questioned the quality of infrastructure being provided at public beaches. He said that with Goa having numerous beaches visited daily by locals and tourists alike, the government is expected to ensure clean, safe, and modern public amenities.

Prof Wagh has demanded immediate intervention from Goa Tourism Department and St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar to address the issue on priority in the interest of public health and sanitation.