As footfall peaks, parking space not enough at Palolem

Canacona: Tourists visiting Palolem beach are facing inconvenience due to increasing traffic congestion in the area, especially during weekends. With the proliferation of shops, limited road infrastructure, and inadequate parking facilities, the Palolem beach appears to be becoming inconvenient for visitors.As the available parking space proves insufficient, tourists are compelled to park their vehicles on roadsides. Pandurang Naik Gavkar, councillor from Delem, said that narrow roads, excessive vehicular congestion, and illegal roadside parking lead to severe traffic jams on the Palolem beach road, causing considerable distress to local residents as well.Currently, parking arrangements are made near the entrance to Palolem beach. Additionally, temporary parking facilities are made available on private lands in the Ourem and Cleopatra areas.Dayanand Pagi, a local, said that with surging tourism, the existing arrangements are proving to be inadequate. He said the Canacona Municipal Council could acquire more land, keeping future requirements in mind, and make provision for a permanent parking facility.Canacona councillor, Dhiraj Naikgaunkar, also demanded the construction of a permanent parking facility near the Palolem beach.During the holiday season and weekends in particular, Palolem beach witnesses massive crowds of tourists, the majority of whom arrive in their own vehicles.This congestion leads to traffic jams stretching over a kilometer, posing a safety risk to pedestrians and in any emergency situation.Locals and tourism stakeholders have appealed to the state administration to take action to resolve the traffic issues at Palolem.