After braving multiple blows that came from nowhere in the past couple of months, Goa’s
tourism industry has since been reeling from the damages. But the optimism
amongst stakeholders is alive and palpable, and a good upcoming tourist season
seems to be a popular consensus. While the chaos of demonetisation, multiple
elections, GST et al has died down, the state infrastructure is far from
perfect to be able to ensure a smooth and fruitful peak tourist season.
ROADS
We have made peace with the fact that the Calangute – Baga road
is never going to be normal again. We cannot imagine a pothole-free,
manhole-free stretch of road in the area, simply because regardless of the time
of the year, the pathetic condition of the road has been a rather consistent
phenomenon. Stephen Fernandes, a rent-a –bike operator from Arpora says, “The
apathy of PWD officials is alarming and although everyone is frustrated with
the issue; the ‘chalta hai’ attitude of the people is also a reason for no
change. Goa needs better roads, especially considering that we have tourists
coming in from all parts of the world.”
CABS
This has perhaps been one of the most long-standing issues of
Goa. The crippled public transport and unregulated taxi system has hurt Goa in
ways more than one; and with the transport minister Sudin Dhawalikar saying no
to radio app-based cabs, the tourists’ woes will continue to negatively affect
the state. Melissa Dias, a young lady from Cortalim says, “This is a major
embarrassment. A paralysed taxi system cannot continue to be a reality. This is
a major cause of inconvenience to tourists and locals alike. Having a sturdy
cab system will also decrease fatalities in cases of drunk driving.”
SOUND POLICY
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Nightclubs and pubs that have live music gigs, have (of late)
had a brush with the police authorities, owing to sound restrictions. The owner
of a popular nightclub situated along the northern beach belt, on the condition
of anonymity, says “The Madhya Pradesh Control of Music and Noises Act that Goa
is currently following, is outdated. Because of this, public functions like
weddings are forced to stop the music at 10 pm, and this is affecting the
people. If Goa is serious about attracting tourists, we have to make sure that
the laws are amended. The rule has not been amended as per changes with time.”
Elaborating on the issue, he adds, “Naturally, because people
complain, the police authorities have to act against those disobeying this
archaic rule. Most business owners in the hospitality and night-life sector in
Goa aren’t able to do business. I believe the government of Goa is looking at
making amendments in the law, and the draft has already been proposed. Let’s
hope for the best.”
SAFETY FOR WOMEN
Apurva
Saxena, a lifestyle blogger from Delhi, who is currently in Goa, says, “It is
sad that a place that once took pride in being one of the safest places for
women in the country, cannot do so confidently any more. Incidents of
eve-teasing, stalking, harassment…most of which go unregistered, are common
along the northern and the southern beach belt. In the last few years, rape and
murder cases have also seen a significant rise. Tourism cannot thrive in a
place unless women are assured of their safety. And night-life being such an
integral part of the state’s tourism, safety for all is one of the bare
necessities that Goa should look into, on priority.”
