The consumption of drugs in Goa is nothing new. Drugs for very predilection were available. Drugs flowed in to satisfy this demand. Now it has emerged that drugs ( the euphemism grass is used for all such home cultivations) are being produced in the state itself. Herald carried a story of two Russians arrested for growing cannabis at their residence in Mandrem. They had come to Goa in February on five-year tourist visas. According to a police officer the duo was supplying it to local and non-Goan peddlers. This could have not come at a worse time for the industry. It has been battered and bruised by the virus. This evoked strong reactions from everyone. Aloo Gomes a charter operator said strong action had to be taken against the duo and everyone else found indulging in such actions. He said “The government wants to encourage homestays but this cannot be allowed in any residence. A lot of people blame us charter operators claiming our clients indulge in this. The charter flights only make money when they are full and most of the passengers stay in Goa for two weeks and return home. These guys are a different market; they book their tickets online, book their residence online. They do not involve any local body. How can all this be allowed? The person who owns the flat has to be questioned? It all boils down to how do we want to develop tourism in the state?” I think the impression Goa gives to the world is that it is a party zone and such activities are tolerated which we all know is just not the case. Such encouragement should never be given. We have to curb the drug menace; we have to portray Goa as a destination for sustainable tourism and eco-tourism. We have been trying to portray Goa in a different light. Bollywood movies however have not helped matters with their portrayal of the state as a party zone. The idea is to promote Goa as a place where can explore its rich heritage. The current image has lead to people coming here and asking for drugs. We have to stop this and then the supply will reduce to nothing. – Clyde Tellis unique travel experiences curator
The local godfathers have to be caught I believe all these activities cannot be conducted without local assistance. Right now the government’s focus is on pushing through projects like railway double-tracking. Catch the local help and you will go to the root of the problem. Till then nothing will improve. -Roussel Miranda event planner
Goa has an emotional pull for people living outside the state too. Paresh Kolwalkar an artist who lives in Mumbai but returns to Goa at every opportunity said this was bound to happen given the laidback attitude amongst the general public. He said “Everyone comes to Goa, sets up their tent and does whatever it is they want and gets out. They don’t love Goa. Only Goans love Goa and changes will only happen when they show their love. Everyone comes in thinking they can do xyz and Goa is suffering from all that xyz.” But here’s another perspective or perhaps a counter view. Timothy Lobo now settled in Goa after spending years abroad felt the entire situation was a farce. He said “I think this whole cannabis thing is a farce man. India made cannabis illegal in 86. Seriously? What is this government doing? Go to Shiv Mandir in Badrinath people are given a bit of hashish in their prasad. During Holi, we consume bhaang and at the Kumbh Mela, sadhus smoke freely. This stuff grows on the roads in Himachal and many other states of India, so why this big drama of Russians growing it in Goa. There are way more important issues to focus on than weed.” However, that still doesn’t give foreigners on tourist visas to grow banned substances in their kitchen garden, does it. Prajal Sakhardande Associate Professor said it was shocking. He said “This is the free for all state that we have got ourselves into. Russians have taken over Morjim and Ashvem areas. There is no policing of these drug racketeers. The Narcotic cell needs to haul up all these drug peddlers and they need to be deported.” One can only hope the sentiments expressed are respected and tough action initiated.
