On 4th September 2025, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, took a major step toward enhancing public sanitation by handing over the operation and maintenance of 20 refurbished public toilets across key tourist destinations to Sulabh International Social Service Organization (SISSO). This initiative is closely aligned with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Goa’s long-term vision for sustainable tourism and improved public infrastructure.
Previously developed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), the 21 public convenience blocks spanned prominent tourist zones including Ashwem, Morjim, Anjuna, Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Panaji KTC Bus Stand, Siridao, Margao KTC, Colva, Benaulim, Sernabatim, Fatrade, Varca, Cavelossim, Mobor, and Palolem. However, these facilities had been under the operational charge of M/s. Akatva Speciality Services Pvt. Ltd. since 2021.
Despite initial expectations, the performance of the operator fell significantly short. Issues ranged from non-maintenance and delays in constructing new toilets to a complete lack of surveillance and non-payment of license fees. This led to the termination of the agreement by GTDC in June 2024, following legal proceedings where the operator also failed to fulfill interim arbitration conditions. GTDC subsequently repossessed all 20 toilet blocks, secured the sites through official panchanamas, and arranged for temporary security to prevent further degradation.
In response to growing tourist demand and the importance of clean sanitation facilities in a coastal destination like Goa, the government took swift action to refurbish the facilities and hand over their upkeep to Sulabh International—a nationally recognized organization known for its expertise in public sanitation. The toilets located at high-traffic areas such as Baga, Colva, Morjim, Siridao, Sernabatim, Varca, Mobor, Cavelossim, and Fatorda are now operational under a “pay and use” model managed by Sulabh. In one unique instance, the Candolim panchayat has been entrusted with refurbishing and managing the toilet block in their jurisdiction.
The handover is initially set for a period of three months and may be extended for another three months based on performance and outcomes. This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment not only to maintaining hygienic public spaces but also to creating a positive impression for both domestic and international tourists visiting the state.
By ensuring that these essential services are managed by capable hands, Goa is reinforcing its position as a clean, safe, and sustainable tourism destination, while setting a model for effective public-private partnerships in infrastructure management.
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