Finally,beach security plan in 25 days

Those below 33 years of age,have a SSC certificate,are physically fit and good swimmers are eligible for the job.

Two years ago in April,a Newsline campaign ‘Save the Beach’ had pointed out the sorry state of Mumbai beaches — with thickly spread plastic waste,encroachments and poor security measures. This time,the civic body doesn’t want to leave anything to chance.

Besides allotting trained lifeguards,the plan also entails having modern equipment like watch towers,binoculars,life-saving kits,communication systems,lifeboats,rescue boats and detailed signboards with maps depicting danger zones and tide timings. “With this model,we are not only taking care of the security but also safety of the lifeguards and cleanliness of beaches,” said Dr Thanekar.

Rajnikant Mashelkar (53),the sole permanent lifeguard at Aksa Beach who is aided by four temporary lifeguards,maintained that there will be no change unless people’s mindsets change. “The main reason people drown is because they ignore warnings,” said Mashelkar.

Despite the civic body’s efforts,citizens are still skeptical of the plan. “The BMC has been talking about this for almost two years now. Why has there been a delay in implementing it,” asks Bhangwanji Rayani of Janhit Manch. The NGO had earlier filed a PIL in the Bombay High Court after several beach deaths sparked the issue of need of adequate security measures. “It has been more than a year since the Government Resolution on implementing the model was passed and nothing has changed on the ground,” said Rayani.