Decades back, Goa was famous for its fish curry rice, fenny, frolic, sun, sand and surf. But in the last few years, we have multi-cuisines (national, international), expensive and spurious liquours, reduced fun (due to cost of living), blazing sun (thanks to ‘development,’ cutting of trees and hills), destroyed and dirtied sandy beaches and dangerous surf zone (operation of watersports close to the shore). Subsequently came scams (properties, investments, cyber), illegal betting, drugs, casinos, dance bars and escort services. In recent years, Goa has become a ‘resort’ for wanted fugitives, criminals, and terrorists. Now, the final nails in Goa’s coffin are gangs, guns and contract killers, as borne out by the incident of shooting targeting director of a casino hotel at Porvorim (TGE Aug 29). All these are just examples as there might be several more nefarious activities being carried out. Time will tell what more surprises/shocks await Goa and its people. What a shame if it is going to be a case of “Goa, Going, Gone.”
SRIDHAR D IYER, Caranzalem
