#TGLife
Recent incident in Cuncolim where a group of drunken youth beat up policemen has raised an alarm on several counts. Goa has had a long association with alcohol. On one side, alcoholic drinks are seen as a part of Goa’s culture and it seems that the ready availability of alcohol does play a role in boosting tourism in Goa. However, what is seldom talked about is the price Goa pays for giving a free hand to alcohol in the state. A considerable number of tourists from other states are attracted to Goa only by the prospect of cheap alcohol, and the consumption of alcoholic drinks. Similarly, addiction to alcohol has over the years emerged as a serious problem in Goan society as well. Time has perhaps come for asking the question: is it really wise to allow the easy availability of alcohol in the state? What would Goa be like, without alcohol for tourists as well as locals?
Alcohol consumption in Goa
According to a 2019 survey by the central Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, at the national level, about 14.6 percent, that is 16 crore crore Indians in the age group of 10-75 years consume alcohol with Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa having the highest prevalence of liquor use.
The survey states that around 28 percent of Goan population consumes alcohol. Out of these alcohol consumers, around 46 percent are male.
Some reports citing anonymous sources from the medical community that out of every 100 cases in hospitals, around 20 are related to alcohol abuse.
The state government has recently amended the Registration of Tourist Trade Act to impose a fine of Rs 2000 for anyone found drinking in public places, including beaches, and the fine can go up to Rs 10000 if the offense is committed in groups. The amendment is due to be tabled in the upcoming assembly session.
We must emphasize on healthy tourism like Kerala. Goa must change its image which currently relies on cheaply available liquor. Yes, we make local liquor here, but we must not make it the centre of attraction for people from other states to come here. To change the image of Goa, people’s participation in government policies is a must.
” Asha Vernekar, social worker, Panaji
People come to Goa for two things “ fish and alcohol. There are two kinds of tourists who come to Goa. Fish and alcohol go together. Even if alcohol is made expensive, there will always be someone who would buy it at any price. But there’s much more to offer. We must save our environment as people look at Goa as wedding destination too. Not all tourists come for drink. We have mountains but we are losing them fast. The small businesses that of extracting cashew feni or madacho sur, are fast fading away from the villages. These drinks were healthy. Why not promote them instead of cheap alcohol that drives our youth crazy?
” Sanjay Pereira, fisherman, Cacra
It is wrong to say that only people from other states come to Goa and create nuisance. Sometimes we Goans too indulge in these things and spoil Goa’s reputation. Tourists come to Goa seeking peace of mind. The foreign tourists come her for greenery. There are few domestic tourists, especially youth, who come for alcohol and casinos. Image building includes good, reasonable public mode of transport which currently is not up to mark. The youth who are 25 per cent of the total footfall of visitors need to be engaged in constructive activities. There is less excise duty on the sale of alcohol here This gap however has decreased now
” Sachin Bhandare, electrical engineer, Margao
