Goa: Congress questions Pramod Sawant over safety measures on beaches

Goa Congress President Girish Chodankar questioned Chief Minister Pramod Sawant over safety apparatus on the beaches on October 5. This statement comes a day after the death of a tourist when a lightning struck a man at Goa's Candolim beach. The Opposition demanded an explanation from the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on the existence of the lifeguard system on the ground.

In an official statement, Girish Chodankar said:

"The unfortunate incident of death of a tourist at Candolim Beach and his wife getting injured after lightning struck them has raised questions on the much-hyped Beach Safety and Lifeguarding Services of Tourism Department on which Government has spent almost Rs 141.50 crores in last five years."

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Safety apparatus on the beach

Further, demanding an explanation over beach safety, Chodankar said:

"I demand Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant to explain to the Goans whether Beach Safety and Lifeguard Services are available in Goa, as the reply was given to the Goa Legislative Assembly by the Tourism Minister on August 17 categorically stating that the contract of the previous firm expired on June 30.The Chief Minister should come clean on whether the emergency equipment, rescue vehicle etc were available on the beach when the lightning struck and tourist got injured," he added.

Furthermore, he attacked the tourism board of the state and urged CM Sawant to take notes of alleged 'gross irregularities and mass corruption' in the Tourism Department.

"The Beach Cleaning scam is already with the Honourable Lokayukta who has ordered a pre-inquiry into the irregularities and I am sure that Beach Safety and Lifeguarding contract will soon come under his scanner," he added.

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A Delhi resident dies after being struck by lightning in Goa

A tourist from New Delhi died at Candolim beach in Goa after lightning struck him on Friday evening. His wife, who was beside him, was also rushed to the hospital after being critically injured.

The couple was strolling by the beach when the lightning struck them. As per sources, the tourist sustained severe injuries on the chest due to a thunder strike at around 4 pm. He was given first aid immediately by the lifeguards and thereafter rushed to the District Hospital. He was declared dead by the medical officer on duty.

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(With Inputs from ANI)