If this story had to be published a week ago, the narrative would have been slightly
different. For, in the last one week, a lot has changed in the Baga-Calangute
stretch. For almost one year, the roads in Goa’s busiest tourist belt had
paralysed traffic movement after being dug up at various junctions to carry out
sewerage work. After inflicting serious damage to the last tourist season, the
unending sewage work looked prepped to cripple the tourist season yet again.
But things changed, and they changed fast.
After the latest pictures of the repaired roads in Baga and
Calangute surfaced on social media a few days ago, local netizens started
sharing the pictures almost in a state of excitement stemming from disbelief.
When Café contacted local MLA Michael Lobo, he said, “The tarring of the roads
is done and vehicles can now move smoothly between Calangute Tinto and Baga.
The hotmix work, which will come over the tar layer, will begin on Monday,
December 18, 2017.” When asked for the reason for the long delay, Lobo said,
“The sewerage chambers that had to be put up, were in a busy area. We couldn’t
block the road because the alternate road from Baga to Arpora was not ready.
Also, business owners were opposing the blocking of roads, which delayed the
work.”
While it is great that the roads in Baga- Calangute now look to
be in optimum condition, one could argue, if the damage has already been done.
Throughout the crucial months of November and December until a week ago, the
road to the Tito’s lane was blocked from the Café Coffee Day junction.
Four-wheelers were not allowed entry, with entry allowed only to bikes;
pedestrians had to walk to reach the nightclubs along the Tito’s lane.
When business owners in the belt were asked for their comments
on whether the development has happened a bit late considering that Goa is
already in the middle of the peak tourist season, most entrepreneurs declined
commenting, citing their unwillingness to get on the bad side of the local
politician. Marius Monteiro, owner of Cavala, refused to comment, stating
reluctance to stir a controversy. Kennedy Lobo, another prominent entrepreneur
in Baga, treaded on the line of caution, saying, “A friend of mine whom I met
after four months today, is happy that he could drive his supercar, Porsche
Boxster on the roads in Baga. I don’t want to look in the past. I’m just happy
that the roads are better now. If I’m having a better day than yesterday, I’m a
happy man.” Lobo also expressed optimism stating that the current tourist
season is looking better than the year gone by.
Aaron D’Souza, the Head of the event management team at Tito’s
chain of properties, admits that the business has been affected. Aaron says,
“In the key months of November and December, until a few days ago, there was no
direct access to our properties – Cape Town Café, Tito’s and Café Mambo. We are
happy that now everything is open and the roads have been made ready. The
months till February look fruitful, provided the locals and tourists are made
aware of the development. Also, the traffic management needs to be handled well
by the authorities. The RTO officials too need to do their best.”
On
a positive note, it certainly looks like the bad days are over for the owners
of business establishments in the Baga-Calangute belt, and the party, albeit
late, has finally started. If all goes well, all roads should lead to, what
industry experts predict, a fruitful tourist season.
