The promenade along the River Mandovi is in the news for all the wrong reasons. This scenic pathway witnesses cyclists, 2-wheelers, people drinking and smoking and creating nuisance, all of which are banned. In the absence of proper policing, CCTVs and security, people are taking the place for granted. An excellent example of a seaside promenade is in Puducherry. The promenade overlooks the Bay of Bengal and is open from 6 am to 8 pm, for vehicles between 7.30 am and 6 pm and no vehicles (not even bicycles) are allowed between 6 pm to 8 pm. Similar to Goa, the cost of liquour is cheap in Puducherry but you will not find anyone drinking and throwing cans, breaking bottles on the rocks or even smoking. There are no security guards or cops in uniforms or in plain clothes.. It is surprising that the same tourists who may come to Goa create such a mess and racket while being well-behaved in Puducherry. The authorities should visit Puducherry to learn as how the system works along the promenade.
