FRANKLY FRANK: Goa’s tourism should tune up with its soul

Last month, despite the heavy rains tourists continued to flock to Goa, demonstrating a growing interest in monsoon tourism. Their strong affinity for Goa was evident as they didn't even mind navigating the bumpy, potholed roads to experience all the State had to offer.

And, now, the extended Independence Day weekend in August has again brought many tourists to Goa to seek respite from the monotony of life and the hustle and bustle of the metro cities. Goa is a place where they come seeking solace, searching for that elusive work-life equilibrium.

While many come to reinvigorate and find their lost mojo in Goa’s serenity, the presence of those who simply want to drink and have a good time creates a negative experience for them. Sadly, despite all the rhetoric, the authorities have no way of tackling "nuisance" tourists. Or rather, they are simply disinterested. 

And so, Goa continues to be a paradise besieged by the unchecked arrogance of visitors who mistake hospitality for free will to plunder its tranquillity. They go about their merriment as if there is no tomorrow, drinking in the open and ogling at women in brazen pursuit of pleasure to get their money's worth.  

Those who come in search of peace – to experience Goa's soul – find their ‘quiet’ shattered by the discordant chaos these marauding tourists bring. With their reckless actions, these vandals of peace leave behind imprints of betrayal on Goa’s shore.

If the government believes that we are a top-notch tourism destination, how does it explain roads leading to Goa's hotspots strewn with garbage and how will it explain drunken tourists on our beaches who lack basic civility?      

These signs are unambiguous – Goa must prioritise getting its house in order instead of just relying on catchphrases like regenerative tourism and responsible tourism. At present, there is a distinct absence of accountability, and everyone seems to be a silent witness to the decay we see around. 

Soon, the new official tourism season will be upon us. Keeping this in mind, let us at least put in place measures to regulate tourism so as to prevent any negative impacts. Those who openly defy laws of civility will have to be shown their place or given a lesson in humility.              

There is still time to safeguard our paradise. Or else we will be mere spectators to its desecration, and then a time will come when we will not be able to sleep in peace and our conscience will, forever, prick us. 

There is no doubt that tourism is Goa's bread earner for a few, but for many it brings torment and tales of sleepless nights from all the loud noises and music. Their cries for help fall on deaf ears every year while the government remains blinded by the illusion of "Goa, a paradise".

It’s high time the government draws a balance between tourism and environment and not be led by false sense of pride. Those within the government will have to realise that there can be nothing bigger than Goa.     

More than responsible tourism, Goa needs responsible governance – the one which takes people's aspirations and concerns to move along with them.

The rot we see around reflects on the government of the day which has a lot of answering to do.

If there is effective governance, then there will be effective measures that will take care of the challenges faced by us. We need tourism, there is no doubt, but along with it we also need our peace. Let the rhythm of tourism play in sync with Goa’s soul.