Goa's tourism season kicked off officially on October 2 with the arrival of two charter flights that brought in Russian tourists. However, in reality, the season's pulse has been beating for some time now, buoyed by the influx of domestic tourists who have been frequenting Goa's shores even during the monsoon season.
When well-intentioned travellers, and not the riff-raff, set foot in Goa, they yearn for the tranquillity that eludes them in their bustling everyday routines. For others, it's a celebration of life and an opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures.
Goa's unique selling point lies in its unspoiled natural beauty, which continues to captivate visitors. All that being said, there are questions that need to be answered. How long will this paradise maintain its allure for visitors? What about the booming real estate business creating a parallel economy that's killing Goa's hills and landscape?
The craze for second homes and gated communities with state-of-the-art facilities is creating "rich ghettos" that are raising the standard of living in certain areas. And, certainly, when Goa starts catering to these affluent people, the gradual consequence will be a hinderance to social integration due to an ever-widening divide between the rich and the middle class.
Goa's fragile ecosystem is already under threat. The concept of second homes is the last thing we need here. The government must step in to stem the tide and say no to such homes that will gradually decimate all that attracts tourists to Goa.
Goa's fragile ecosystem is already under threat. The concept of second homes is the last thing we need here. The government must step in to stem the tide and say no to such homes that will gradually decimate all that attracts tourists to Goa.
However, the way things stand today, very little is expected of this government. It's talking now, but it's not speaking the language of the Goans, who have been protesting against audacious changes happening in their villages.
Goa is becoming increasingly crowded, with the rising popularity of second homes being one of the contributing factors. An overcrowded Goa is unlikely to draw tourists to this beautiful destination, known for its sunny and golden beaches.
The craze for second homes has already created a mafia that's operating in league with those at the top acting like agents. This mafia is like a criminal syndicate that's working in league with corrupt officials for land acquisition.
Currently, there is a mafia that's working overtime to acquire properties by intimidating those who are vulnerable. There have been cases where threats and intimidation tactics have been used. We were all witnesses to what happened in Assagao when bulldozers and bouncers were used to demolish a house of a Goan.
Currently, there is a mafia that's working overtime to acquire properties by intimidating those who are vulnerable. There have been cases where threats and intimidation tactics have been used. We were all witnesses to what happened in Assagao when bulldozers and bouncers were used to demolish a house of a Goan.
The idea of second homes represents encroachment, a violation of the unique essence that makes Goa so extraordinary. These vacation homes epitomise a commercialised rendition of paradise, one that is detached from the core of what Goa truly stands for.
Many of those who live in these vacation homes may come with good intentions of integrating themselves with the Goan identity, but that doesn't help the cause of Goa. The ethos of this land is woven from the unique cultures and traditions of its people.
What Goa possesses originally cannot be enhanced or simply borrowed by visiting here for a holiday. These people have to realise their second homes are responsible for displacing locals from their land and killing the state's rich habitat and identity.
Tourism-driven change is not what Goa is looking at. Goans want those who love Goa to respect their space and recognise it as a home that's not up for sale to build monstrosities.
Goans, too, yearn for visitors because tourism feeds many stomachs, but they shun greedy developers and investors, who come here with the short-term vision of profiteering.
Home is where the heart is, and if there is any heartfelt cry from a Goan today, it is this: please leave us alone, let our land breathe and let our homes be homes.