the goan I network
CANACONA
No doubt the celebrations week beginning with Christmas is a boost to tourism, but the ugly scenes of roadside garbage generated by outstation visitors is back to haunt the serene open Goan atmosphere.
Incidentally, many domestic tourists travelling in mini buses, tempo travelers and other transportation for short trips park their vehicles on roadsides and not only eat food carried along, but also cook on the roadsides, leaving a lot of dry and wet waste.
Such sights are a regular feature along the NH17 road and could be noticed these days soon after entering Goa via Polem border till one reaches Balli. The situation has become very common for the past week, as even isolated section of road leading to Agonda is heavily used to park, cook and consume food on roadsides.
Sunday was the worst with people complaining of atleast a dozen of vehicles parked along the highway between Chaudi and Gulem section, with visitors consuming food brought along out in the open.
Sources further said many domestic tourists especially from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra visiting for short stay during the festive celebrations of Christmas and New Year do not hire rooms or hotels to stay and often use roadsides or some parking lots to prepare and consume food including tea, breakfast, lunch and also dinner.
At times, the travellers return back after enjoying the celebrations around and sleep in the vehicles and use the open spaces as toilets.
