Adopt Goa model to curb deaths on beaches: Bombay High Court to state government

The Bombay HC has asked the state government to consider whether it can adopt safety measures taken in Goa to ensure safety of visitors at beaches.

This comes after the tragic death of 14 students from Pune who drowned at Murud.

A division bench of Justice Naresh Patil and Justice GS Kulkarni expressed displeasure and shock over the callous approach of the government in not implementing its on resolution of 2006, which had directed steps like watch tower, life guards and speed boats.

The bench said, "You [state] cannot leave the beaches open to public...to allow them to go and jump or commit suicide. Wherever, there are tourist spots you [state] have to have your personnel posted. Proper safety facilities have to be there, if you are falling short of personnel then employ retired police constables to do the job."

The bench also referred to the steps taken in Goa, where watch towers are installed on beaches having a high footfall and speed boats monitoring the area 24 hours.

This has to be done in Maharashtra, beaches in Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg which are vast and are frequently visited by people.