It is distressing to note that paan and gutka kiosks are opening up at a rapid pace in Goa, especially in the South to cater to the ‘needs’ of migrant labour from UP, Bihar and Bengal.
It is well known that these are triggers of oral cancer, besides it is illegal to peddle such stuff in the state. These are more addictive and harmful than conventional drugs which Goa is awash with already.
Also many such kiosks double up as pick up points for MDMA, crystal meth and marijuana brought in from other parts of India.
I request the removal of all such kiosks if we have to tackle the gutka/ drug menace in our sunshine state.
The police should play a proactive role in arresting such peddlers and their suppliers. Many Goan youth have taken up chewing paan/gutka and hanging out at such ‘addas’ of vice which is worrisome and must be checked forthwith.
Also strict checking of passengers should be carried out at Madgaon train station, the preferred port of entry for gutka so that the problem is nipped in the bud.
