Hundreds ring in New Year at Salcete beaches under shadow of COVID-19

Navhind Times | 10 months ago | 01-01-2022 | 07:40 am

Hundreds ring in New Year at Salcete beaches under shadow of COVID-19

NT NETWORKMargaoHundreds of tourists as well as locals flocked to the beaches in Salcete taluka on Friday to ring in the New Year despite the rising number of COVID cases in the state. Several major junctions in the area were also witness to traffic jams that weremanaged and controlled by the local police and traffic cell.Around 150 police personnel were roped in from several South Goa units including that of Margao, Quepem and Curchorem to man major junctions, direct traffic and patrol the streets.Junctions like that at Maria Hall in Benaulim and Green Building in Colva saw a steady flow of traffic during the day which picked up pace by late evening.As per the pre-set plan, the traffic cell had notified three areas in Colva and two in Benaulim for parking of vehicles. Mostly two-wheelers and four-wheelers were seen roaming the streets making their way to the beach to ring in the New Year. For the most part, the police authorities said commuters were cooperative and helped in the smooth flow of traffic and parking of vehicles.At the beaches of Benaulim and Colva, majority of locals and tourists were seen without masks and lacking social distancing norms, while they enjoyed the sea water, food and parties at the local shacks and water sports during the day.Many were busy enjoying the last few hours of the year taking selfies and enjoying themselves.In villages, youngsters partook in a tradition where a stuffed figure of an old man was burned as the clock struck 12.

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