Goa, known for its breath-taking beaches, vibrant nightlife, and warm hospitality, has long been a paradise for tourists and locals alike. However, beneath this picturesque exterior, a silent battle rages. Crime is on the rise, land is being taken away, and the very identity of Goa is under threat. The once peaceful state is now grappling with issues that were previously unheard of, leaving Goans feeling vulnerable, unheard, and betrayed. As Goa’s struggles intensify, it is time to bring these issues to light and question whether the land we cherish is slipping away before our eyes.
Despite its reputation as a safe haven, the statistics paint a different picture. Crime rates have surged alarmingly, with a staggering increase over the last decade. Many cases go unreported, while those that do often get caught in a sluggish legal system that fails to deliver justice. Thefts, frauds, violent crimes and land scams have become more common, yet the authorities remain slow in their response. Criminals, often emboldened by weak enforcement, exploit loopholes in the law and take advantage of Goans who are struggling to protect what is rightfully theirs. The influx of outsiders who do not respect local traditions or laws further exacerbates the problem, leading to an erosion of the cultural fabric that makes Goa unique.
One of the most disturbing incidents in recent times involved an elderly woman who was brutally attacked by a 23-year-old tourist over a minor altercation regarding a dog. This horrifying act shed light on a growing issue—many outsiders are coming to Goa with a sense of impunity, believing they can get away with anything. This was not an isolated case. In 2018, a shocking murder case surfaced when a young man killed a foreign national. Though he resided in Goa, he was not a Goan, yet his actions painted a negative image of the state. The trend of such crimes being committed by non-Goans has raised serious concerns, yet authorities have not taken firm action to curb this menace.
This misrepresentation fuels stereotypes and affects the perception of the local community. In reality, many of these crimes are committed by non-Goans who have settled here and exploit the system. The influx of people from outside has not only led to rising crime but also to the illegal acquisition of land, pushing Goans to the fringes of their own homeland.
The question remains—why is Goa bearing the burden of crimes committed by outsiders? The law must be enforced strictly, and those who exploit the system must be held accountable. If decisive action is not taken, the Goa that we know and love may soon become unrecognisable. It is time for Goans to stand up and demand justice, to protect their land, culture, and identity from those who seek to exploit it for their own gain.
Parallel to the uptick in crime is the contentious issue of land conversion under Section 17(2) of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act. The High Court of Bombay at Goa recently struck down the rules and guidelines associated with this section, citing that they granted "unfettered" and "unguided authority" to the TCP board, leading to arbitrary conversions of land, often from paddy fields and natural covers to settlement zones.
Activists have raised alarms over approximately 25 lakh square meters of land being converted to settlement zones between 2023 and 2025 under this provision. Such large-scale conversions pose significant threats to Goa's ecological balance, leading to the destruction of hill slopes, fields, and natural habitats. The confluence of rising crime and environmental degradation has sparked public outcry. Citizens have organized protests and demonstrations, emphasizing the need to preserve Goa's natural heritage and ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. The "Save Mollem" movement, for instance, has garnered widespread support, highlighting the community's commitment to safeguarding the state's biodiversity.
The conversion of agricultural and eco-zone land into settlement zones is being done at an alarming pace, leaving farmers with no choice but to watch their livelihoods vanish before their eyes. If agriculture disappears, where will our food come from? Who will think about the farmers who work tirelessly to feed us? Yet, when they try to fight for their rights, they are silenced, threatened, or forced to comply with the powers that be.
A striking example in Tivim is witnessing strong opposition against a proposed private university by World Peace University (MAEER). Villagers fear environmental damage, displacement, and allege forged signatures in the project’s approval. MAEER has offered job preferences to locals, but concerns about ecological impact and land use remain unresolved. Even though voices have been raised against it, money often speaks louder than justice. Addressing these challenges necessitates a multifaceted approach. Goa stands at a crossroad where the choices made today will shape its future. By uniting as a community, raising informed voices, and advocating for responsible governance, Goans can strive to preserve the state's unique identity and ensure a safe, sustainable environment for generations to come.
Many such cases exist where Goans are tricked, threatened, or coerced into giving up their homes, only to see them turned into resorts, hotels, or private properties owned by wealthy outsiders. The worst part is that many locals support these transactions, failing to realise that they are contributing to the slow erasure of their own culture, heritage, and identity.
In the past, Goa was known for its religious unity, where people from different faiths celebrated each other's festivals with joy and harmony. However, in recent times, there has been a rise in religious disputes that threaten to disturb this long-standing peace. The once harmonious coexistence of different communities is now being tested, with external influences creating rifts between religious groups. This growing intolerance is deeply disturbing, and many fear that if it continues unchecked, Goa might face the same fate as Manipur, where communal tensions have led to widespread unrest.
This silent struggle for justice in Goa is further worsened by the fact that crime is no longer just about theft or violence. It has extended to political and economic manipulation, where laws are bent to serve the interests of the powerful while the common people suffer. Environmental destruction is another crime taking place right before our eyes, with illegal land conversions, deforestation, and pollution threatening the very beauty that makes Goa unique.
Some Goans support wealthy outsiders, taking away the rights of fellow Goans, and in some ways, we create divisions among ourselves. We can start with small steps—when a Goan starts a business, we should support them instead of attempting to destroy them. When an outsider starts a business, we tend to encourage them more. It is time to change this mindset. We must stand together and support our Goan brothers and sisters. The government must take the necessary steps to protect Goa and its people before it is too late.