Gujarat : Rs.1,000 Fine for Littering at Umargam, Nargol Beaches

VAPI : Tourists littering the Umargam and Nargol beaches will now have to pay a ₹1,000 fine as the Valsad district administration steps up efforts to transform the popular coastal stretches into clean, well-organised and environment-friendly destinations.

The administration has also prohibited visitors from carrying plastic items onto the beaches and plans to introduce centralised parking and designated stalls for street vendors as part of its efforts to develop both beaches along ‘Blue Flag’ standards.

The measures were announced during a cleanliness drive held at Umargam Beach on Saturday, led by Prant Officer Nirav Patel and supported by employees of industrial units.

Patel said strict monitoring would be undertaken to prevent littering and pollution at the beaches.

“A fine of ₹1,000 will be imposed on anyone found littering or causing pollution on the beach. A monitoring team will keep constant vigil and take action against violators,” Patel said.

Under the new arrangement, a centralised parking facility will be developed, with visitors allowed to enter the beach only through the designated access point. Authorities said this would help screen tourists carrying prohibited plastic items before they reach the shoreline.

The administration is also planning designated locations for food vendors, where street sellers will be provided designer stalls. The move is expected to bring vendors into an organised system while reducing waste generated along the coastline.

Cleaning operations are currently being conducted twice a week at both Umargam and Nargol beaches. The District Tourism Committee had earlier inspected the sites and recommended measures for their development under the Blue Flag initiative.

Officials, however, stressed that government action alone would not be enough to maintain the beaches.

“Tourists must also perform their duty as responsible citizens and help keep the beaches clean,” Patel said, urging visitors to avoid littering and carrying banned plastic items.

The administration expects the combined measures to improve cleanliness, visitor management and the overall appearance of the two beaches.