Locals argue that leniency shown to visitors is being grossly abused
MAPUSA
In yet another example of how Goa’s famed hospitality is being stretched – and exploited – by unruly visitors, locals in Calangute were left fuming on Thursday after spotting a fully tinted, Karnataka-registered car without a front number plate and with a suspected tampered rear plate parked in the area.
The KA-registered vehicle, modified to resemble a taxi, immediately drew the attention of local taxi operators who alleged that it was a private car posing as a commercial vehicle.
“It’s shocking that such a car could drive all the way into Goa without being stopped at any checkpost. If we, the locals, could notice it so easily, why couldn’t the police?” a local driver remarked.
Following complaints from residents, the Calangute Police tracked down the owner and issued a fine as per the law.
However, the incident has reignited concerns over lax enforcement and the growing trend of tourists flouting local laws with impunity.
Local stakeholders say this is not an isolated case but part of a disturbing pattern.
“Tourists are increasingly taking Goa’s ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (Guest is God) culture for granted,” said a resident.
“They come here and behave as if the law doesn’t apply to them – rash driving, drinking on beaches, sitting on car bonnets, even taking vehicles onto the sand or into the water,” he added.
From open drinking and cooking on beaches to reckless joyrides through narrow village lanes, such acts have become alarmingly common, despite repeated warnings and penalties.
Locals argue that the leniency shown towards visitors in the name of tourism is being grossly misused.
“Goans are welcoming by nature, but that doesn’t give anyone the right to break the law,” said another resident of Calangute.
Authorities admit that while tourism is vital to Goa’s economy, maintaining discipline among visitors remains a persistent challenge.
Police officials have promised stricter enforcement and coordination with checkposts to curb such incidents.
As Goa readies itself for the peak tourist season, residents are calling for a renewed balance – between the spirit of hospitality and the rule of law – so that the State’s warm welcome doesn’t become an invitation to lawlessness.
