I am writing to express my concern about the rising number of “drink and drive” road accidents in Goa. Two factors are primarily responsible for this trend: the increase in liquor outlets and exorbitant taxi rates.
Goa, ideally, should be promoted as a holiday destination for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Instead, casinos, pubs and liquor shops have become dominant features of its tourism marketing, attracting a clientele interested mainly in these activities. This has led to a surge in demand for liquor licences and an influx of tourists who prioritise these attractions. The consequences are evident, as drunk individuals, seeking to save money on taxis, opt to rent cars or drive their own vehicles, resulting in a deadly combination that contributes to the alarming rate of road accidents.
I urge the government and activists to take action by regulating liquor shop licences and taxi fares. Additionally, improving the convenience of booking taxis, similar to city models, could help mitigate the issue. While taxi business owners protest taxi apps, fearing the entry of outsiders, they could address this by launching user-friendly applications for booking and payment themselves. But this has to be a priority. By addressing these issues, we can make Goa a safer and more enjoyable destination for tourists and residents alike.
