MAPUSA
Goa's beaches, renowned for their natural beauty and tourist appeal, have become increasingly mired in controversies stemming from rampant illegal activities.
From unauthorized shack operations to fatal altercations, the lack of effective enforcement has turned these scenic shores into hotspots for disputes and tragedies.
The recent murder of 28-year-old Amar Bandekar, an Arambol resident, underscores the grim reality of lawlessness along the beach belt.
Bandekar lost his life during an altercation with shack workers after moving chairs that were obstructing his evening walk.
The incident spiraled into violence, leaving Bandekar unconscious, and he later succumbed to his injuries.
This tragedy is not an isolated event.
Just weeks earlier, a tourist in Calangute was killed following a disagreement with shack workers, while another tourist was assaulted in a similar altercation. Adding to the grim tally, a tourist drowned in a capsized boat off Calangute, and a paragliding mishap – reportedly conducted without proper permissions –claimed two more lives.
Weak enforcement
The underlying cause of these incidents lies in the unchecked illegalities flourishing along Goa’s beaches.
Key issues include:
1. Unauthorized Placement of Beach Furniture: Shack operators are permitted to place beach beds, tables, and chairs only within 15 meters of their shacks, as per Tourism Department rules. However, violations are rampant. In some cases, furniture is placed right at the water’s edge, often on the insistence of tourists looking for an immersive seaside experience. These violations not only disrupt locals but also compromise public safety.
2. Unregulated Tourism Activities: Unauthorized water sports and paragliding activities are commonplace. These ventures, often lacking proper safety measures or permits, pose significant risks to tourists and operators alike.
3. Sub-letting and Outsider Control: Several shack licenses have reportedly been sub-let to non-local operators, further diluting accountability and adherence to rules.
4. Negligence by Authorities: Despite clear regulations, enforcement remains lax. The Tourism Department is widely criticized as a "toothless tiger," and police vigilance on the beaches is sporadic at best. Allegations of corruption and collusion between authorities and violators exacerbate the problem.
Voices of concern
President of the Goan Traditional Shack Owners Association, Manuel Cardozo pointed out that the lack of strict enforcement emboldens rule-breakers.
"There is absolutely no fear of the law in the State. If the police take proper action and maintain strict vigil on the beach, everything will fall in place," he said.
General Secretary of the Shack Owners Welfare Society, John Lobo admitted that some shack operators violate regulations by placing furniture in restricted areas.
He also blamed the actions of waiters, who often act independently in pursuit of higher tips from tourists.
Local residents, like Antonio D’Souza from Calangute, have voiced frustration over the authorities’ failure to act.
"The law exists only on paper. In reality, nobody abides by it. Operators take care of the concerned authorities to get their way," D’Souza alleged.
Human cost of negligence
While operators and authorities evade accountability, locals and tourists bear the brunt of the consequences.
Altercations escalate into violence, unauthorized activities result in fatalities, and the overall tourist experience is marred by the perception of lawlessness.
Beyond the immediate human toll, these issues damage Goa's reputation as a premier travel destination.
Tourists expect safe, well-regulated environments, and repeated incidents of violence and negligence risk eroding confidence in Goa's tourism sector.
Goa’s beaches are an integral part of its identity and economy.
Allowing illegal activities to flourish not only endangers lives but also tarnishes the State’s image.
Restoring law and order on the beaches is not just a necessity – it is a matter of safeguarding the livelihoods, safety and legacy of the renowned destination.
