Goa a safe destination, says CM Parsekar

Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Sunday rejected criticism by the Congress that Goa was an unsafe destination for youngsters, claiming that the government was making efforts to make the state "safer".

He also blamed the previous Congress government for leaving government mechanisms in ruins.

"We are doing our best to make it safer and safer. As of now, it is safe, but it should be more safe," Parsekar told reporters at a press conference in Panaji.

On Friday, the Congress national spokesperson had alleged that Goa had become an unsafe place in recent times.

"Parents are worried about sending their children to Goa. Today, people come to Goa... young people, I know in particular, are very very worried. This is not fitting in with Goa's larger ethos," Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha had said, while addressing a press conference in Panaji.

Parsekar claims that the state government had undertaken a lot of measures, including the setting up of a private lifeguard system to save lives on the state's beaches and said that when a huge number of tourists visit a small state with limited infrastructure, more care needs to be taken.

"We have a population of 15 lakh. But 50 lakh tourists come here, including good and bad ones... therefore, one has to take care," Parsekar said, adding that his government was "picking up after the mess" left behind by the Congress government.

"Before we came to power, their government was in power and we are still dealing with the filth they have left behind," Parsekar said.

--IANS

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