Goa, May 31 -- The Goa government's recent announcement that Colva Beach will be developed under the Union government's Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme as part of the Coastal Tourism Circuit has sparked strong criticism from local residents and environmental activists.

While welcoming the initiative's intent to boost tourism and improve infrastructure, concerned citizens argue that deep-rooted environmental and civic issues-especially the long-standing pollution of Colva creek-remain unresolved.

Once a vibrant and ecologically significant water body, the Colva creek is now choked with untreated sewage, garbage, and years of neglect. Locals say the pollution poses not only a public health threat but also undermines the area's tourism potentia...