On Friday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant unveiled two significant decisions aimed at curtailing disruptions and misconduct in the State, especially connected to tourists visiting Goa. However, while these decisions seem necessary, they raise critical questions about consistency in enforcement and the underlying motives of the Goa administration in revisiting them.
Firstly, the government addressed the escalating nuisance caused by tourists cooking on roadsides and beaches. Chief Minister Sawant announced that officials would seize cooking stoves and LPG cylinders at borders and impose strict penalties on those caught cooking in public spaces. For the record, we know how porous our borders are.
While it is commendable that the government is acknowledging the menace caused by tourists, it is sad that this has been overlooked when there are already rules in force. The beaches of Goa have been marred by litter, including alcohol bottles, add to this the disorder brought on by tourists cooking and consuming food in public spaces, flouting existing laws against such behaviour.
In October 2022, the government issued a notice outlining penalties ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000 for cooking and drinking in public, yet there has been little to no enforcement of these regulations. Why has the implementation of such rules remained a distant dream? This apparent negligence has allowed tourists to enjoy an atmosphere of entitlement, flaunting rules that locals must adhere to. The current announcement might be seen as a belated effort to restore order in public spaces, but without a commitment to transparent and consistent enforcement, it risks being largely symbolic as seen in the past.
Sawant also emphasised the responsibility of tour operators and bus drivers in ensuring that tourists respect Goa’s laws, suggesting that accountability extends beyond mere individuals to the broader tourism infrastructure. This acknowledgement is long overdue, yet it raises further questions about the extent of the government’s oversight of issues plaguing the system. Are tour operators and transport services being adequately monitored?
The second significant decision taken on Friday is about traffic enforcement, wherein only Police Inspectors (PIs) wearing body cameras are authorised to issue challans for traffic violations, with Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs) permitted to do so during late hours. This initiative appears to tackle widespread concerns regarding police harassment and corruption, an issue that has marred public perception of law enforcement in Goa. However, limiting this power to PIs during daylight hours could inadvertently hinder effective traffic enforcement, considering the limited number of inspectors available to cover jurisdictions.
Furthermore, the rationale for allowing PSIs to issue challans only at night lacks clarity and may sow confusion among both police personnel and motorists. The introduction of technology, including body cameras and AI-enabled systems for video evidence, presents an opportunity to enhance transparency and accountability within the police force. However, given the history of corruption associated with traffic violations, merely implementing body cameras without addressing the systemic issues within the force may not be enough to restore public trust.
While the announcements from Chief Minister Sawant represent steps toward addressing these pressing issues, they are fraught with challenges. To be effective, the government needs to ensure robust enforcement mechanisms, consistency in applying the law, and a supportive framework that holds everyone accountable. The path to a “clean and green Goa,” as the CM articulates, requires more than threats of fines and confiscation; it requires earnest public engagement, a revitalisation of local laws, and a commitment to fostering an environment where citizens and tourists respect the laws of the land.
