PANAJI
While the holiday season might bring in substantial revenue for the State, debate over upgrading infrastructure to attract high-end tourists continues. Another issue is maintaining the existing infrastructure, for the very fact that quite a few sites are currently in a state of neglect; and creating basic infrastructure such as cloakrooms on some famous beaches is necessary.
Goa has often seen a number of tourists indulging in audacious behaviour, which raises questions on the government's intentions to tighten the noose around nuisance makers. From driving cars on the beaches to the famous Parra road becoming a hotbed of disruptions, visitors are brazenly involved in unwanted actions. Similarly, using various public places for social media reels and photoshoots, roadside cooking, relieving themselves in open space and even drying clothes have been an eyesore for Goans.
In a new ugly trend, desi tourists have converted iconic locations like the statue of Abbe Faria, the space opposite Panaji market and the heritage place at Campal into a ‘dhobi ghat’ in the last few days. During the peak December month, several drive-in tourists were seen drying clothes at these places. The Dayanand Bandodkar and Manohar Parrikar memorials on Miramar beach were also not spared.
In another unpleasant encounter, a group of tourists at Canacona opted to prepare their own meals on the roadside while openly expressing their dislike for Goan food. They not only set up makeshift kitchens but also littered the place.
Equally alarming was the lack of cultural sensitivity by some tourists when another group was seen having food in front of a crematorium at Saligao. Several others were seen taking shelter at random places after attending late-night parties with the coastal belt also facing a similar situation as tourists left filth before returning to their native places.
