MLA says it will promote tourism and revenue
TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
CALANGUTE: Claiming that extended bar timings and nightlife are not in the interest of locals or Goans in general, Calangute Sarpanch Geeta Porob has expressed fear that it could be an opportunity for youth and others to promote antisocial activities, including drugs and prostitution, in the State.
Calangute MLA Michale Lobo has, however, claimed the government had taken the decision in the interest of tourists and locals to generate more revenue.
Speaking to Herald, Porob said the extended hours for bar timings or nightlife would have drastic effects on Goan youth, as it will lead to promotion of dance bars.
“It will be an opportunity for youth and others to sell drugs and promote prostitution, thereby leading to a rise in crimes. This could further destroy family life,” stated Porob.
The sarpanch also felt that extended bar timings would benefit outsiders more than the Goan youth.
“Goan youth are not inclined to work in late shifts, so it will provide employment to non-Goans and this could attract anti-social elements to Calangute.”
“Though we have been talking widely about preserving our Goan culture and traditions, such controversial decisions (extended bar timings) are promoting foreign culture for our youth,” added Porob.
A number of locals have also voiced concern over extended nightlife along the Calangute coast.
“We have been facing incidents like brawls by intoxicated persons and with the extension of nightlife, this situation will only get worse in our areas,” said a senior citizen, Joan Fernandes.
“The elders cannot get sound sleep, while children in the area find it difficult to study. We have been alerting Calangute Police every now and then. There will be all sort of illegal activities during late night hours and the police will not be in a position to control them,” said Fernandes.
When contacted, MLA Lobo said the government had taken the decision to extend the bar timings or nightlife in the interest of tourists and locals to generate more revenue.
“I don’t think it will be detrimental to Goan youth and society at large. There will be a further growth of tourism-related business in the coastal belt of Calangute,” said Lobo.
