Team Herald
PERNEM: Goa is a paradise for beach lovers, which draws tourists from world over. Being a densely populated beach destination, unscrupulous elements have encroached along the beach in Pernem taluka and erected monstrous structures here rendering the coast an ugly look only to make a quick buck at the cost of nature. Illegal deck beds litter the beach keeping very little space for tourists to move around too. Drugs, loud music, fireworks at odd times during the night is regular affair. All this is has a detrimental effect on tourism and foreign tourists are now shying away from the congested beaches which may spell doom for tourism.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Since the closure of mining activities, the State is heavily dependent on revenue generated by tourism related activities. It is believed that Pernem alone generates approximately 500 crores through revenue from tourism. However, the question remains – how much of the revenue is spent to overcome the inconveniences in this tourism belt? Businesses are suffering due to lack of basic facilities. However, illegal businesses run by outsiders have flourished and are making more profits than the law abiding Goan businessmen. The officials from tourism and other departments occasionally scout the coast but turn a blind eye to the illegal activities and encroachments along the coast.
Drugs, loud music, fireworks at odd times during the night is regular affair. Such acts are not only ignored by the government machinery, but overlooked by panchayat and people’s representatives.
Serene during the
day, ‘loud’ at night
The number of tourists visiting the serene beaches has declined. Beaches once preferred by thousands of tourists during Christmas and New Year seem to be quiet and isolated during the day. In order to attract tourists along the coast, the shack owners and hoteliers have resorted to playing deafening music beyond the stipulated time. Night parties are organised on the beache to attract and increase tourist footfalls.
Changes in CRZ
to affect tourism?
The government has proposed to alter the CRZ limit from 200 mts to 50 mts for locals running traditional businesses. However, there are apprehensions that the move may help outsiders who have purchased large chunks of land in coastal area. It is feared that the ‘deteriorating’ coastline may reduce the tourism business and affect the locals.
The noise pollution along the coast has forced the tourists to leave the area thus affecting local businesses. There are several empty rooms and houses in the vicinity and locals fear that the goose that lays the golden eggs for Goa might soon get killed.
