MARGAO, April 4 -- Team Herald

Once a favoured spot for locals and tourists alike, Betalbatim Beach in Salcete is now reeling under a mounting garbage crisis, raising serious concerns about public health, tourism, and civic responsibility.

A large stretch of the beach is strewn with waste-plastic, paper plates, cups, food scraps, diapers and other debris-transforming the once-pristine shore into an eyesore. The situation only came to light after alarmed villagers spoke out, prompting the Betalbatim Village Panchayat to scramble into damage control mode.

At the heart of the issue is a glaring lack of clarity over who is responsible for beach upkeep-the panchayat or the Tourism Department-leaving a vital public space neglected.

Panchaya...