Over the past three decades, the tiny western Indian State of Goa has become a popular beach destination for Indian and foreign tourists. At the same time it has become infamous for drug trade and consumption in the past few years. The State did not report any significant growth in domestic tourist arrivals and Goa is no longer among the top 10 Indian States that attract foreign tourists. The only reason behind this downfall is that our beautiful Goa is acquiring a dark reputation as a hub for international drug trafficking. The northern coastal belt of Goa is considered the epicenter of drug business.
Many foreigners who have come here as students have set up businesses and are involved in drug trade. For a long period, drug trafficking in Goa was controlled by separate gangs run by Britons, Israelis, Russians and Indians. But in the past 4 years, Nigerians too have infiltrated the trade. According to Anti-Narcotics Cell almost 90 per cent of all Nigerians are involved in drug business in Goa.
India’s tourism slogan is “Guest is God” but how can one worship guests who are involved in drug promotion? When will our politicians stop making controversial statements, just to fill their pockets? When will our bureaucrats stop from shirking their responsibility? Just arresting few peddlers and few consumers will not end the menace. For how long will locals watch this? Just because tourism brings in the moollah we cannot ignore the damage that is being done to the social fabric of Goa.
Drugs have become a major issue in our society today. Consumption by students and youth has reached an alarming proportion. It has taken many lives and many continue to fall prey and indulge in malpractices. It also promotes other crimes.
We need to look at alternate types of tourism such as adventure tourism, medical tourism, business tourism and cultural tourism. It’s high time all Goans unite to stop this menace. We don’t need tourism which has a dark side to it.
