imported>GreenC bot: Rescued 1 archive link. Wayback Medic 2.5

2021-04-26T05:23:13Z

Rescued 1 archive link. Wayback Medic 2.5

New page

[[File:North goa beach photos.jpg|thumb|north goa beach]]
{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Tone|date=May 2013}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Morjim
| other_name =
| nickname =
| settlement_type = Town
| image_skyline = Morjim Goa view.JPG
| image_alt =
| image_caption = A road in Morjim
| pushpin_map = India Goa#India
| pushpin_label_position = left
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Morjim in [[Goa]]
| coordinates = {{coord|15|37|46|N|73|44|09|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = India
| subdivision_type1 = State
| subdivision_name1 = [[Goa]]
| subdivision_type2 = District
| subdivision_name2 = [[North Goa]]
| subdivision_type3 = Sub-district
| subdivision_name3 = [[Pernem taluk|Pernem]]
| established_title = 
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| population_total = 6,760<ref name="census2011.co.in">http://www.census2011.co.in/data/town/626661-morjim-goa.html</ref>
| population_as_of =
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes =
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = Postcode
| postal_code = 403512
| area_code = 0832
| website =
| footnotes =
}}

'''Morjim''' (pronounced '''Morji''' the alphabet'''m'''is silent) is a Census Town in [[Pernem taluk|Pernem]], [[Goa]], India; it is situated on the northern bank of the [[Chapora River]] estuary. It is home to a variety of birds and is a nesting site for [[Olive ridley sea turtle]]s. The village has become known as "Little Russia" because of the concentration of Russian immigrants living there.<ref name="Barretto">{{citation|last=Barretto|first=Lita|title=Russians face backlash in India's Goa|date=8 March 2010|accessdate=22 March 2010|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j5QIbFrGQ-jtg-uUMxlJcbpto0ug|periodical=Agence France-Presse}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{POV section|Dispute|date=March 2013}}As of the 2011 India census,<ref name="census2011.co.in">http://www.census2011.co.in/data/town/626661-morjim-goa.html</ref> Morjim Census Town has population of 6,760 of which 3,356 are males while 3,404 are females.Population of Children with age of 0-6 is 609 which is 9.01% of total population of Morjim (CT). In Morjim Census Town, Female Sex Ratio is of 1014 against state average of 973. Moreover, Child Sex Ratio in Morjim is around 1010 compared to Goa state average of 942. Literacy rate of Morjim city is 89.90% higher than state average of 88.70%. In Morjim, Male literacy is around 94.69% while female literacy rate is 85.18%

===Russian immigrants===
[[Indian National Congress|Congress Party]] MP Shantaram Naik has condemned the Russian presence, objecting specifically to rudeness, nudity, and crime including assaults and running businesses in violation of the [[Foreign Exchange Management Act]].<ref>{{citation|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Naked-Russians-corrupt-minds-Goa-Congress-MP/articleshow/5628614.cms |periodical=The Times of India|date=28 February 2010 |accessdate=22 March 2010 |title=Naked Russians corrupt minds: Goa Congress MP |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303202058/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Naked-Russians-corrupt-minds-Goa-Congress-MP/articleshow/5628614.cms |archivedate=3 March 2010 }}</ref> Indian security agencies have become concerned with the [[Russian mafia]] involvement in drug trade, prostitution, and land ownership in the formerly quiet beach village.<ref name="Datta"/> [[CNN-IBN]] specifically accused former town and urban planning minister Babush Monserrate of having ties to the Russian mafia.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/41610/goa-leaders-pals-russian-mafia.html|periodical=IBN Live|title=Goa leaders' pals: Russian mafia|accessdate=21 July 2010|date=1 June 2007}}</ref> Politicians have also described the Russian presence as "bad for Goa".<ref>{{citation|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/russian-tourists-bad-for-goa-bjp-leader/110482-3.html?from=tn|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100224091438/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/russian-tourists-bad-for-goa-bjp-leader/110482-3.html?from=tn|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 February 2010|periodical=IBN Live|title=Russian tourists bad for Goa: BJP leader|accessdate=21 July 2010|date=21 February 2010}}</ref> Current Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar participated in a Gram Sabha at Morjim in the role of the BJP Goa State President accusing the Russians of having all kind of vices. Vishwanath Azgaonkar & Sonu Shetgaonkar local villagers who participated in the Gram Sabha of Morjim employed the terms 'Drug Mafia" "Russian Mafia".<ref>{{citation|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ4RoHnk7ew|periodical=Goa 365|title=Morjim villagers disgusted with the behaviour of Russian Tourists|accessdate=20 January 2015|date=22 February 2010}}</ref>

In response to such complaints, [[Vikram Varma]], a Goa-based lawyer in the employ of Russia's Mumbai consulate, said that of the tens of thousands of Russian visitors to and residents in the area, fifteen were implicated in illegal property deals in 2007 and two were arrested for drugs possession in 2008. He also said Russian visitors as a whole contribute roughly {{INR|4 billion}} to the local economy each year and form 40% of hotel occupancies.<ref name="Barretto"/> Nearly 75% of chartered flights to Goa come from Russia.<ref name="Datta">{{citation|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?233732|periodical=Outlook India|date=29 January 2007|accessdate=21 July 2010|title=Molotov on Mandovi: The Russian mafia has barged into Goa, running its arms and drug trade freely|last=Datta|first=Saikat}}</ref> Consul General Alexander Novikov said there is no Russian mafia in the State<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.epaperoheraldo.in/Details.aspx?id=8879&boxid=33148353&uid=&dat=1/11/2013|periodical=Oheraldo News|title=Trouble in Paradise|accessdate=17 January 2013|date=11 January 2013}}</ref> despite the consulate's lawyer saying the contrary.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/printerfile.php?link=2009-10-06|periodical=IANS News|title=Mafia hunting for Russian owner of Goa resort: Lawyer|accessdate=17 January 2013|date=6 October 2009}}</ref>

In April 2013, Goa Chief Minister (CM) [[Manohar Parrikar]], who is also Home Minister in charge of Police, told the legislative assembly in Goa that Russian, German or [[Israeli mafia]]s were not operating in the state. He was responding to a question raised by Congress legislator [[Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco]]. Parrikar said "unobtrusive watch" is maintained on the activities of the foreigners staying in Goa. "If any foreigner is found involved in any crime, legal action as per the law is taken", he said.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/russian-german-israeli-mafia-not-operating-in-goa-cm-113041600375_1.html |periodical=Business Standard News|title=Russia mafia not in Goa|accessdate=6 May 2013|date=16 April 2013}}</ref>

The Goa BJP Chief Minister was saying the same thing as what North Goa Police Chief said when Congress Govt was in power before BJP. North Goa's superintendent of police had said "it would be an exaggeration to talk of a Russian mafia in Goa, though there have been Russians who have hidden facts about themselves from both the Goa government and the home country.".<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090125/jsp/7days/story_10437122.jsp |periodical=Telegraph India|title=Moscow! No its Morjim |accessdate=6 August 2014|date=9 February 2009}}</ref>

During the three and a half years up to August 2014, the police have registered 182 narcotic cases in the state. The nationalities of those arrested for selling drugs are mostly from [[Nigeria]], followed by [[Nepalis|Nepalese]], Indians and Britishers".<ref>{{citation|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Special-police-cells-to-tackle-drug-trade/articleshow/40249064.cms |periodical=The Times of India|title=Special Police Cells to track drug trade |accessdate=14 August 2014|date=14 August 2014}}</ref>

Michael Lobo, Goa's member of legislative assembly for Calangute, told [[Russian media]] that local sentiments are only against those foreigners engaged in illegal business activities in the state. Michael said "We welcome all international tourists including the Russians, whoever is going to boost our economy. There are some Russians who are doing illegal business. When I say illegal businesses, I mean businesses which are meant to be run by the local Goans and the Indians, especially where restaurants are concerned. If they come on a business visa or a work visa, they are welcome to do business in Goa."<ref>{{citation|url=http://in.rbth.com/politics/2014/02/13/russian_tourists_welcome_to_goa_-_calungute_mla_33059.html |periodical=RIR |title=Russian tourists welcome to Goa - Calangute MLA |accessdate=7 August 2014|date=13 February 2014}}</ref>

Francisco de Braganca, president, Travel & Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) in Sept 14 spoke about the contribution made by Russian Tourists. He said "Russia has over the years provided high number of tourists to Goa and this turf needs to be protected. There is a wrong impression about Russians in Goa on account of few issues which have happened between them and local people. However, we must not forget that Russians are amiable people and on account of their difficulty to speak any other language have a tendency to mix among themselves. We need to respect their sensibilities. Goa has not treated Russians well enough even after it has been the largest provider of charter tourists. Our mind set has to change".<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.thegoan.net/Goa/The-Goan-Grill/'More-airlines-flying-into-Goa-is-a-positive'/08643.html |periodical=The Goan |title=More Airlines Flying to Goa is positive |accessdate=1 October 2014|date=27 September 2014}}</ref>

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar does not believe that [[Russian mafia|Russian]] and [[Israeli mafia]]s operate in Goa, but according to [[WikiLeaks]], Mumbai police are sure of it. Wikileaks cited a recently declassified US diplomatic cable dispatched by Mumbai Consul General Paul Folmsbee in 2009, which quotes former head of Mumbai Crime Branch Rakesh Maria saying trafficking of foreign women prostitutes to Mumbai is controlled by Israeli and Russian mafia lords operating from Goa. "Maria alleged that most trafficking of foreigners to Mumbai is connected to Russian and Israeli mafia operations in Goa, explaining why Mumbai police had not cracked the trafficking ring(s)," Folmsbee's cable numbered 09MUMBAI305 back home to the US administration said.<ref>{{citation|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/russian-israeli-mafia-exist-in-goa-says-wikileaks-cable/1/266638.html|periodical=India Today|title=Russian, Israeli mafia exist in Goa, says Wikileaks cable|accessdate=18 May 2013|date=19 April 2013}}</ref>

Rajan Ghate, a secretary of the state unit of the NCP, has demanded a thorough probe by the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] (CBI) into the nexus between the Land Mafia, Politicians and revenue officials, which is already being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.sify.com/news/cbi-should-probe-goa-s-land-mafia-politician-nexus-ncp-news-national-ljxtaleaaab.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012183222/http://www.sify.com/news/cbi-should-probe-goa-s-land-mafia-politician-nexus-ncp-news-national-ljxtaleaaab.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 October 2013|periodical=Sify News|title=CBI should probe Goa's land mafia, politician nexus: NCP|accessdate=29 November 2011|date=23 September 2011}}</ref>

In August 2012 Eduard Faleiro, former Union Minister, reiterated the Russian mafia threat to Morjim and Goa. He said, "Russians with criminal background are buying properties through benami means". The state health minister Laxmikant Parsekar said at a gram sabha meeting at the Morjim village panchayat that "these Russians have all kinds of vices and the moment the Russian tourists come to one place all other tourists flee from there. Even earlier, we had tourists from other countries but we never had this problem." Parsekar said the quantity of Russian tourists in the state had triggered a virtual cultural invasion in Morjim and surrounding areas and because of their sheer numbers, the Russians were indulging in ''[[dadagiri]]''.<ref>{{citation|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-15/goa/33216315_1_russian-tourists-eduardo-faleiro-drug-trade|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103101354/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-15/goa/33216315_1_russian-tourists-eduardo-faleiro-drug-trade|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2013|title=Russia's 'no mafia in Goa' claim is false: Eduardo|accessdate=17 August 2012|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=15 August 2012}}</ref>

At 0:00 on 31 December 2012, a resort called Club Fresh was vandalised by an armed gang consisting of more than 20 men in retaliation over business quarrels. Guests including children were injured and property damage to the resort was incurred.<ref>{{citation|url=http://oheraldo.in/News/Main%20Page%20News/GOONS-STRIKE-AT-MORJIM/68820.html|periodical=Heraldo News|title=GOONS STRIKE AT MORJIM|accessdate=2 January 2013|date=2 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=https://argumenti.ru/incident/2013/01/223885 |lang=ru |periodical=AN Online |title=О погроме клуба в Гоа российским дипломатам известно |trans-title=Russian diplomats know about the pogrom of the club in Goa|accessdate=2013-01-02|date=1 January 2013}}</ref>

==Beach==
[[File:Morjhim Beach Goa.JPG|thumb|Morjim Beach in Goa]]
Morjim Beach is a nesting and hatching habitat of the [[Olive ridley sea turtle]], an [[endangered species]]. They are afforded the highest degree of protection under Indian law through their inclusion in Schedule I of the [[Wildlife Protection Act of 1972]]. Egg-poaching or in any manner disturbing the turtles or their habitat is an offence punishable under Indian law.{{citation needed|date=August 2014}}

Protection of marine turtles and their habitat has been embraced by the local community through [[community-based conservation]] efforts. These efforts were begun between 1995 and 1996 by a number of local villagers after discussions with Goa-based environmental protection groups. Before this time, the eggs were poached by fishermen, but later the fishermen became fiercely protective of marine turtles.{{citation needed|date=August 2014}}

The Goa Forest Department supports the turtle conservation efforts and has set up a Turtle Conservation Interpretation Centre at the Forest Office in [[Pernem]] using funds allotted by the [[Government of India|Central Government of India]]. The Forest Department pays a monthly stipend to young, local volunteers involved in marine turtle conservation efforts in Morjim. A few of these volunteers have found jobs with the Forest Department in recognition of their efforts. Some youth of Morjim have campaigned internationally on the [[Greenpeace]] ship ''[[Rainbow Warrior (2011)|Rainbow Warrior]]''.{{citation needed|date=August 2014}}

The Tourism Department of the [[Government of Goa]] has aided the conservation efforts by restricting temporary seasonal structures (e.g. shacks) to a portion of the beach and requiring them to operate only during daylight hours. Owners of the structures are also legally obliged not to leave beach furniture on the beach after daylight hours and not to do anything that would adversely affect marine turtle conservation.{{citation needed|date=August 2014}}Despite the ban, an Indian fashion show with illumination and music was held well into the night on 10 December 2011, flouting the law and outraging environmentalists and locals.<ref>{{citation|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-12/goa/30508417_1_beach-parties-morjim-loud-music|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720021023/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-12/goa/30508417_1_beach-parties-morjim-loud-music|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 July 2012|title=Fashionistas party at Morjim despite ban|accessdate=13 December 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=12 December 2011}}</ref>

In 2011 the turtles can hardly be seen because of urbanisation, light pollution and noise pollution. According to a recent study of international researchers Morjim

wildlife is doomed and the village is expected to be the next [[Calangute]] maaakA.<ref>{{citation|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Morjim-the-next-Calangute/articleshow/7331250.cms|periodical=The Times of India|title=Morjim the next Calangute|accessdate=29 November 2011|date=21 January 2011}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://indiatourism.ws/goa/morjim_beach/ Morjim beach]
* [http://sunshanti.ru/asia/goa/plyazh-mordzhim/ Russian vision of Morjim Beach]

[[Category:Beaches of Goa]]
[[Category:Villages in North Goa district]]
[[Category:Beaches of North Goa district]]

Morjim - Revision history

imported>GreenC bot: Rescued 1 archive link. Wayback Medic 2.5