Even as Goa’s beaches continue to be thronged by hundreds or thousands of tourists during the festive week, over 600 lifeguards have gone on an indefinite hunger strike on Tuesday, potentially putting the lives of holiday revellers and swimmers at risk.
Responding to the indefinite strike the Goa Government on Tuesday invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act rendering the strike illegal. The strike on Tuesday by the lifeguards followed a fortnight’s notice by the All India Trade Union Congress, which has demanded regularisation of the services of over 600 lifeguards who are currently employed by a private beach management agency appointed by the Goa Tourism ministry.
“We had given adequate notice about the strike to the Goa Government. The lifeguards are providing a critical life-saving service and need security in employment. We are only demanding for regularisation of their services,” Fonseca said.
Goa’s stunning 105 kms long coastline attracts as many as three million tourists every year, most of whom make a beeline to popular beaches like Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna and others in North Goa and Colva, Benaulim and Palolem beaches in South Goa. Beaches like Candolim and Vagator are currently hosting two mega Electronic Dance Music festivals which attract an additional 50,000 tourists, many of whom opt for a swim in the sea in the course of the day.
With few or no lifeguards at the beaches, it is the lives of these tourists and music revellers which are at risk now. When contacted Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar told The Pioneer that efforts were on to engage the lifeguards and to ensure that they get back to their posts.
“We are keen on listening to the lifeguards and solving their issues. A resolution will be found soon,” Parulekar said on Tuesday. On late afternoon the Goa Government invoked the ESMA to build pressure on the striking lifeguards to resume their work.