Stakeholders push for stricter enforcement and penalties to curb accidents caused by drunk drivers; highlight industry illegalities
PANAJI
With cases of drunken driving refusing to decline significantly and contributing to accidents, the Goa Police convened a high-level meeting on Monday to devise a multi-pronged strategy to curb accidents and fatalities caused by intoxicated drivers.
The meeting chaired by Director General of Police Alok Kumar at police headquarters brought together representatives from the All Goa Liquor Traders Association (AGLTA) and the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG).
AGLTA President Dattaprasad Naik highlighted the rampant disregard for road safety among a large chunk of tourists and some locals too.
“People buy alcohol and as they drive or ride, they drink. We have seen many drive-in tourists, besides tourists in rental vehicles, drinking and driving. This behaviour is causing nuisance and is also leading to casualties on roads,” Naik told 'The Goan', briefing about his representation in the meeting that was also attended by other senior police officers.
Naik proposed hefty monetary fines for violators including the rent-a-bike/car operators for renting the vehicles to intoxicated tourists. “Globally, such behaviour is unacceptable, but in Goa, the presence of wine shops on highways is adding to the woes,” he added, urging the government to enforce Supreme Court directives strictly wherein liquor outlets along highways are prohibited.
Naik also assured his association’s support to the government to shut wine shops by 10 pm, while pointing out that unregistered liquor outlets -- operating outside the purview of the association -- are often responsible for violations. “Our association is committed to ensuring no accidents or deaths occur due to drunken driving,” he said.
TTAG Vice President Aakash Madgavkar echoed the call for stricter enforcement. “Drunken driving remains a persistent issue, particularly among tourists who hire vehicles due to the high taxi fares. Many of these tourists are involved in accidents,” he said. The TTAG suggested mechanisms to deter reckless behaviour including restrictions on taxi fares to discourage outstation vehicles into Goa or hiring rental bikes/cars within the State.
Beyond road safety, the meeting also discussed alleged illegal accommodations and overstaying foreigners. Stakeholders flagged unregistered guest houses, villas and even some residences -- illegally given on rent -- as hubs of illegal/ suspicious activities. “These facilities are listed on booking platforms but often bypass verification. Enforcement agencies must act against such operators,” Madgavkar urged.
The stakeholders also sought coordination between the police, tourism department and local bodies to clamp down on such violators.
The DGP assured to incorporate suggestions/feedback from the stakeholders into a comprehensive plan to tackle road safety and related issues. Speaking to The Goan after the meeting, Kumar said they have given the stakeholders time to deliberate and submit their suggestions. “We will take it forward,” he said.
On the issue of cybercrime, the DGP called for greater vigilance, urging stakeholders to report fraudulent listings or fake bookings. He stated that the department is willing to organize awareness programs and train hotel industry employees to strengthen cyber security. “We assure them of all the help in tackling fake websites, bookings, etc,” he said.
