Panaji, Jul 12 (IANS): Goa Congress MLA Kedar Naik has expressed concern over European tourists no longer visiting the popular Coco beach in the coastal state due to sand erosion, which is also causing livelihood issues for the locals.

Kedar Naik, MLA of Saligao constituency from North Goa, said that since the last 15 years, Coco beach is facing several problems and due to sand erosion, the beach has washed out.

Naik said that assurances were given in the past, but nothing has happened. "Since last 15 to 17 years we have been getting assurances, but measures are not taken. Earlier, Coco beach had shacks. Now there is no place to erect shacks," he said.

"European tourists used to visit Coco beach. Now they are not visiting. Hundreds of families from this place are dependent on water sports and shack business," Naik said, demanding restoration of the beach.

Responding to this issue raised by Naik, Water Resource Development Minister Subhash Shirodkar said that this tiny beach with a length of 800 metres to 1 kilometre will be maintained. "I will inspect the beach and take necessary action," he said.

The Minister informed the Assembly that the protective wall at this beach has been damaged and work on it will be started soon. "Protective wall made up of laterite stone at this beach is damaged, hence we are coming up with a permanent solution to it," Shirodkar said.