The leafy DB Marg which stretches from Campal to the Miramar beach (and is then blocked) turned into an open kitchen for hordes of domestic tourists who came to Goa for the long stretchable five-day “weekend” which from Thursday last to Monday. And as they littered the roads, cooked on the streets on their makeshift stoves and ate at the same place from plates they carried, urinated in the gardens and in the colonies in front of homes, local residents shuddered with disgust.
“These tourists don’t buy anything but booze from the locals. And many even cook and sleep on the streets. They come in their own busses and vehicles and recover at least half the trips cost due to the cheaper petrol available in the state that they fill while going back,” said one Campal resident
Another resident complained: “Tourists come in busses and sit on parapets, cook and eat the food. Once they even came into our veranda. These elements come and disturb us. Opposite Campal Clinic there is a big ground which can be used for parking. The cops don’t take action. And when they come, they (cops) inform them that we have complained.”
Kabir Makhija Pinto, Campal resident and deputy major said: “The businesses set up here are responsible for an increased inflow of traffic and tourist buses and taxis are parking in this area all day, inconveniencing residents as the entry and exit points to their homes are constantly blocked by vehicles. The tourists also create nuisance by cooking, littering and urinating in the area. Vandalism and fear of thefts, and noise pollution are some of the other problems that are causing distress to the locals.
According to residents the area under the Forest Department (next to the Children’s Park) should be used for parking of vehicles. Also a pay parking plan has also been prepared by the Campal Residents’ Association which should help reduce the problem in the heritage precinct. It has been submitted to all the authorities concerned and should be implemented at the earliest.
As far as the city goes, very few restaurants make money and even less money find its way into the local economy of the city. Probably the only people making money are the liquor wholesalers.
However, they place an enormous pressure on the infrastructure – on its roads, its garbage disposal as well as sewerage and even parking space.
Despite there being ample parking for locals, they are forced to scramble due the parking spaces are utilised by white tourist taxis, outside vehicles and tour busses blocking parking and even parking on road sides.
