Team Herald
CANACONA: A day after a Herald Media report brought to light the trouble created by cross-border tourists from Karwar at Goa’s last beach, Polem – littering, drinking in public, harassing other tourists and local residents – Coastal Security Police were deployed there on Thursday to keep things in order.
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Local residents have repeatedly voiced serious concerns about the deterioration of safety and cleanliness in the area. They complain that tourists frequently drink on the beach, smash glass bottles and leave garbage lying around, despite being asked to dispose of their waste responsibly. Incidents of rowdy behaviour – fighting among drunk visitors, public disturbances, and even cases of eve-teasing and flashing – have been reported.
A local resident highlighted the frequent presence of intoxicated tourists along the roadside in the evenings. “While returning home in the evening, I often find tourists sitting along the roadside, drinking liquor. Sometimes they fight among themselves, throw bottles along the roadside and create a nuisance,” she said pointing to empty bottles and garbage.
An elderly woman voiced the fear many residents experience while walking home at night. “When we get off the bus and start walking towards our homes we feel unsafe. There have been instances of eve-teasing,” she said.
A villager recounted an instance where he urged some tourists from Karwar to clean up after
themselves.
“I told them not to throw empty glass bottles on the beach. They assured me that they would not throw bottles and promised to remove them, but they didn’t do it. They were disturbing other tourists as well.”
A domestic visitor had similar concerns, stating, “I have concern about safety. Sometimes tourists come on the beach and after drinking become violent. This is not something good. I have been visiting Goa for last 20 years and I have had a good experience except for last few years when locals and tourists got involved in fights.”
