Experts outline roadmap for Goa’s wellbeing, sustainability in 2026

As the calendar turns to January 1, 2026, Goa welcomes the New Year with more than just celebrations, a moment to reflect on expectations for the year. Experts from health, environment, tourism and culture believe Goa must focus on long-term wellbeing, sustainability and identity in the next 12 months.

Age is never the criteria. Age is no bar. You just need to start. Walking is the simplest thing anyone can do. Even 20 minutes is enough if you do it consistently – Dr Anil Mehndiratta, Senior pulmonologist and former IMA Goa president.

Success is not about the number of tourists you bring; it is about the value you create for the community. Focus on sustainability, local wellbeing, and quality experiences rather than overcrowding beaches or chasing party-centric travel – Edgar D’Souza, Principal of the Goa College of Hospitality & Culinary Education.

Protect the State’s identity this year. As long as Goans are passionate about preserving Goa’s ethos, we have no fear. But with the tsunami of outsiders flooding Goa, it’s getting diluted and contaminated – Alexyz, Renowned cartoonist

Goa cannot afford to delay action. Our air, water, and greenery are under pressure from population growth, traffic, and unchecked development. The time to act is now – Rajendra Kerkar.

From simple lifestyle habits like walking daily and avoiding tobacco, to protecting rivers and greenery, promoting responsible tourism and preserving Goan traditions and arts, the message is clear: the future of Goa will be shaped by everyday choices made by Goans.

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“Age is never the criteria. Age is no bar. You just need to start,” said senior pulmonologist and former IMA Goa president Dr Anil Mendiratta. He said, “Walking is the simplest thing anyone can do. Even 20 minutes is enough if you do it consistently.”

Emphasising that fitness does not require extreme routines or expensive equipment, Dr Mendiratta said, “Good sleep, hydration, and regular movement — these three things form the base of preventive healthcare. People fail not because exercise is difficult, but because they don’t maintain momentum,” stressing that consistency matters more than intensity.

“We wait for disease to come and then react. That is the biggest mistake,” he warned, noting rising respiratory issues and recent concerns over worsening air quality. “When you step out, wear a mask. That is more practical than depending on air purifiers inside your house.”

For Dr Mendiratta, these are simple health expectations for citizens in 2026, rooted in prevention rather than reaction.

“Goa cannot afford to delay action,” said environmental activist Rajendra Kerkar, pointing to climate change and global warming as urgent threats. “Our air, water, and greenery are under pressure from population growth, traffic, and unchecked development. The time to act is now.”

Kerkar suggested simple yet impactful New Year goals for 2026. “Say no to plastic, conserve water, plant indigenous trees, and grow plants at home. These are the building blocks of resilience.”

On mining, he was firm: “Continued extraction threatens water security, agriculture, and greenery. It must be strictly restricted.”

He said environmental protection must remain one of Goa’s key expectations in 2026, rather than a delayed commitment.

“Success is not about the number of tourists you bring; it is about the value you create for the community,” said Dr Edgar D’Souza, Principal of the Goa College of Hospitality & Culinary Education. “Focus on sustainability, local well-being, and quality experiences rather than overcrowding beaches or chasing party-centric travel.”

“Think long-term. Invest in skills, quality, and responsible practices. Protect what makes Goa unique, and hospitality will naturally become stronger,” he added. “Neglecting balance risks overcrowding, traffic, water stress, cultural erosion, and unfair economic gains.”

According to him, tourism expectations for 2026 must prioritise balance, quality and community benefit.

Renowned Indian cartoonist Alexyz urged Goans to protect the State’s identity this year. “As long as there are passionate Goans about preserving Goa’s ethos, we have no fear. But with the tsunami of outsiders flooding Goa, it’s getting diluted and contaminated,” he said.

He called for proactive cultural organisations. “Cultural organisations should be formed in all Goan villages under one umbrella to protect and promote Goa’s identity. The Government of Goa’s Art & Culture department should be proactive, with committed artists involved at the village level.”

For Alexyz, safeguarding Goa’s heritage in 2026 requires consistent and organised effort. “Sustaining culture depends on dedicated citizens and proactive institutions working together,” he said, adding that cultural preservation remains one of the most important expectations from Goans in 2026.

As Goa steps into 2026, citizens have been urged to embrace mindful living and take responsible action in every aspect of life. From improving personal health and protecting the environment, to promoting sustainable tourism and preserving culture and traditions, these shared expectations for 2026 highlight that every effort counts. The choices made today, however small, will collectively shape a healthier, greener, and more vibrant Goa for the years to come.