The tragic deaths of 26-year-old tourist Shivani Dabale and her 'pilot' during a paragliding trip in Keri, Pernem, serve as a harrowing reminder of the gathering storm of chaos and negligence surrounding adventure tourism in Goa. This incident, a consequence of a snapped paragliding rope, has not just claimed lives but has once again raised critical questions about safety protocols, regulatory oversight, and the effectiveness of governance in managing high-risk activities. The question that comes forth is whether authorities have lost control of water sports in the State.
On Sunday, the Tourism department released a statement that the department had decided not to renew the licence which expired on November 1, 2024. "From November 2 onwards paragliding was happening without the permission of the tourism department," the department added. It is also learnt that the Keri-Terekhol Panchayat had passed a resolution prohibiting paragliding activities. The locals too have been up in arms against paragliding in the area. Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar says he raised serious concerns over paragliding and adventure tourism along the Arambol-Paliem-Keri-Terekhol coast, alleging that most of them operate without adhering to safety protocols. He states that the issue was taken up with the tourism minister earlier.
With so much opposition, how on earth was paragliding thriving? Under whose blessings? And why are authorities not learning from past mistakes? This catastrophic Keri incident is not an isolated one. Tragedy struck on Christmas Day when a boat carrying 20 tourists capsized off Calangute leaving one person dead. The boat was carrying 20 passengers against its capacity of 10. A couple of years ago, an 84-year-old German who has been a regular visitor to Colva along with his wife, lost five fingers and suffered serious hand injuries in a paragliding incident. Around 20 water sports-related accidents were reported in recent times at various beaches in Goa with the majority of them during boat rides, parasailing or paragliding. Reports suggest that illegal paragliding and parasailing operations continue unabated along the coastline, even in the aftermath of previous accidents. The recurring pattern of negligence indicates a deeper malaise within the tourism sector.
The critical issues at play here revolve around the governance of adventure sports. How is it possible that an operator continues the activity without a valid licence? The apparent failure of authorities to adequately monitor compliance with licensing and safety protocols invites scrutiny. In a tourism state like Goa where adventure sport has gained traction, safety should have been the top priority. The absence of stringent checks on safety protocols, equipment and operator credentials is alarming and unacceptable.
The illusion of adventure has captivated many and could be a showpiece for tourism, but it should never come at the cost of life. The time has come for the State government to review and strengthen the legal framework governing adventure sports. Stringent measures must be enacted to ensure operator accountability and equipment safety with adequate inspections. This is not just about enforcing regulations; it is about fostering a culture of safety and responsibility among operators who cater to thrill-seekers. The several extensions given to water sports operators to file their affidavits do not reflect an urgency to set systems right.
Goa is currently caught in a whirlpool of negative publicity, trying to navigate through a rough patch. It cannot be synonymous with tragedies. The safest way forward requires commitment from all stakeholders, but to begin with, the tourism department must lead the way and crack the whip.
