As Goa welcomes pre-monsoon showers, its beaches, usually bustling with tourists and locals, now stand deserted. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange’ alert for Goa, predicting heavy rains over the next four days.
Even though the southwest monsoon hasn’t fully arrived, Goa has been experiencing rains since Friday. “This is the best time to be on the beaches. But it is not the right time to swim. One can go up to knee-deep water, but swimming is strictly prohibited,” cautioned Pele, a local fisherman from Benaulim Beach.
Due to rough seas, fishing activities have halted, with an official ban on motorized vessels from June 1 to July 31. Traditional fishermen also refrain from venturing into the sea during this period.
Drishti Lifesaving Services, the state-appointed lifeguard agency, has placed red flags along the coast and increased beach patrols. With the change in season, tourist numbers have significantly decreased, leaving the beaches virtually empty.
“Goan beaches are cleaner during the monsoon. There are no shacks and no hurdles. You can walk freely on the beaches,” observed Rahul Gaikwad, a tourist from Mumbai, enjoying the tranquillity with his family.
Hotel tariffs drop considerably during the rainy season, making accommodation more affordable for tourists. The state tourism department is promoting year-round tourism, emphasizing the lush greenery and regenerative tourism, which encourages exploration of Goa’s hinterlands alongside its beaches.