Problem solving begins with first identifying the same! Innovation is today’s driving force for all including start-ups. Innovation has seen small companies buy out bigger ones.
However, I have not heard of negative innovation. Except, now, in Goa!
The past couple of months has seen a series of drowning deaths in Goa. The Govt. says it is because the tourists do not listen to the life guards! Is this the problem? No, the problem is there is no implementation of the law in Goa, not that they do not listen! This has become a culture in Goa. Why do the life guards not report such tourists to the Police? Why do they not report drinking on the beaches? Why do the Police not arrest them? Why is the TTAG not worried about the deaths? Why is the Tourism Dept. not worried? Because both do not wish to ‘burden’ the tourist?
Tourists come to Goa for enjoying the sea and drinks or just both together, so how can the former take away this? Would not this reduce the tourist inflow?
Is this not their thinking? No one seems to care for life: a few letters that are read and then forgotten: that’s it? Even seem to be fed up what with the regularity of such deaths.
The waters in Goa are calm only from November to February. This period is further curtailed when cyclones, depressions etc. affect the waters. Even during the fair period there are rip currents. The life guards are entrusted with gauging the safety of the waters and the law must be implemented. Not implementing this is a case of negative innovation: because tourist footfalls and revenue increase!
For the sake of money, Goa allows tourists to do as they please. Laws are made – like no drinking in public- only to pacify the locals. The other day at the Colva circle, while we stopped for the red light, we were joined by a group of more than 10 bikers wearing orange jackets.
While waiting for the green signal, they started revving their engines. At the green signal, they zoomed ahead of all the waiting vehicles, who all waited till they past them. First off, they wilfully created a noise over the permitted decibels. Next, as they moved together, they formed a motorcycle rally moving on public roads.
Does not the law require them to obtain a permission for the rally? With the permission, should not they be escorted by the Police? Are not such rallies dangerous to life when un-escorted? Is not Goa regularly subjected to such illegal motorcycle rallies? Is it not a fact that only tourists are exempt from the law in Goa? And maybe Political parties, who also take out such ‘protest’ rallies, whether with the Collector’s permission or not, I am not aware?! Are we waiting for more lives to be lost?
The rent a bike scheme is popular with young tourists, many who have the same on their bucket list. Who has not witnessed girls take over the riders role just after crossing the Police at the Nuvem bypass, and then shakily proceed on their way? Pampering tourists at the cost of law and order, is preposterous! In our case it is at the cost of lives!
