Privacy on Goa’s beaches has taken a hit with the police intensifying patrolling along the coast in the wake of terror attacks in Mumbai. Closed circuit television cameras will monitor movement on the beaches and policemen behind bunkers will keep a watch on movement on the beach.
The North Goa police, which has already strengthened security at popular night clubs, entertainment areas and flea markets at Calangute, Arpora and Anjuna, have now started work on strengthening security on the beaches. Sources said that the police have coordinated with 5 star hotels close to beaches to provide for CCTVs and floodlights on the shores.
North Goa, which has 3 five- star hotels, is popular among tourists. As a result, the police have installed bunkers near hotels not only because they are close to the shore but also because they are strategic locations from where police personnel can have a complete view of the beach. “Besides this, floodlights would help us man the beaches. It is just a coincidence that 5-star hotels at major tourist areas in the North are vantage points,” said SP (North) Bosco George. Sources said that it has been decided that CCTVs installed by the hotels will be constantly monitored by hotel staff. In case of any suspicious movement, the police would be alerted.
Police sources said that they have already had a meeting with hotel managements and have advised them not to recruit new staff without verifying with the police.
Bunkers have also been installed at Miramar, Dona Paula, Calangute, Baga and the Santa Monica jetty and are being constantly manned by armed policemen. Besides, an armed policeman and a tourist police have been patrolling the beach area along the north coastal belt in a lifeguard vehicle.
North Goa has been given 2 Quick Reaction Teams (QRT). While 1 QRT will be covering the belt from Sinquerim to Baga, another will be covering popular tourist destinations in the capital city. Security has also been tightened at the Karmali railway station and the Bom Jesus Basilica at Old Goa.
