Team Herald
PERNEM: As attacks on tourists in the coastal areas of Pernem are increasing, locals fear that it will have a negative effect on Goa’s tourism industry and reduce footfalls. Such incidents have sullied the image of Goa as a tourist destination, and this may ultimately affect local businesses and kill the goose that lays golden eggs, claim locals.
“Incidents of attack on tourists and thefts have increased. Police have acted swiftly in most of the cases; however, such incidents have not stopped. But, the entry of illegal businesses and workforce from other states has diluted the social fabric of the state,” stated,” said local businessmen and stressed the need for stricter implementation of law and order to avoid such instances.
Tourists, especially the foreigners shy away from filing complaints as they are required to stay back to follow up the matter in court. This is benefitting the accused. Hence, justice has to be delivered at the earliest, prompting the foreign as well as the local tourists to file complaints. Similarly, strict action needs to be taken against those filing false complaints, they said.
Pramesh Mayekar, a businessman said, “The government finds faults in legal businesses, while those indulging in illegalities and let off the leash. Nipping such activities in the bud should be on the priority list of the government.
“Rave parties are held along the coastal belt where drugs are sold. Police have failed to clamp down on such activities. The need of the hour is to clamp down on drug trade,” said another local Uday Vaingankar.