Beaches turn into open-air pubs, garbage dumps; locals, stakeholders decry influx of ‘cheap’ tourists, demand stricter regulations to attract more responsible visitors
MAPUSA
On the eve of the New Year an ‘old man’ stood watch on a street of a bustling village in North Goa, surrounded by an array of empty liquor bottles.
The figure, a creative depiction by local boys, symbolised the wild revelry and chaos that would ensue.
This striking image, crafted to bid adieu to the past year, became a perfect metaphor for the annual influx of tourists that brings both celebration and a trail of destruction to Goa’s iconic beaches.
‘Invasion’ of the beaches
The first day of 2025 bore witness to the stark reality behind the ‘old man’s’ symbolic liquor bottles.
Beaches like Calangute and Baga, normally serene, were transformed into makeshift dining areas and party zones.
Bare-chested domestic tourists, many carrying alcohol bottles and snacks, openly flouted regulations by drinking and feasting on the sand.
“It’s as if they’ve forgotten this is a public space. They leave behind heaps of garbage and make it harder for us to welcome the next wave of visitors,” lamented a shack owner.
The influx of domestic tourists – largely young, male travellers – sparked frustration among locals and business owners.
Even at noon on New Year’s Day, throngs of backpack-toting tourists were seen heading towards Calangute beach.
“These tourists come in jeeps and buses and leave nothing but thrash behind. They contribute little to the local economy,” said a taxi driver operating in the area.
Traffic chaos, local discontent
The chaos wasn’t confined to the beaches. Streets leading to Calangute and Baga were choked with vehicles, 90 per cent bearing registrations from Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Local residents, aware of the annual mayhem, largely stayed off the roads. However, those who ventured out found themselves stuck in traffic jams, with arterial roads reduced to standstill queues.
“Even on New Year’s morning, the traffic was unmanageable,” said a weary traffic cop stationed at the Calangute-Baga junction. Despite the efforts of a few officers, the sheer volume of vehicles and pedestrians overwhelmed the system.
Garbage, misconduct
By dawn, the aftermath of the revelry was painfully visible. Empty beer bottles, plastic waste and food containers littered the beachfront, turning the once-pristine sands into a sprawling garbage dump.
Many tourists, apparently inebriated from the night’s celebrations, lounged on the beach well into the afternoon, oblivious to the mess around them.
President of the Goan Traditional Shack Owners Association, Manuel Cardozo expressed his concern over the deteriorating quality of tourists visiting the State.
“The spending tourists avoid these areas because of the crowds. Tourism in Goa is declining and if this continues, the industry has no future,” he said, adding that the shacks were nearly empty on New Year’s Eve despite the massive crowds.
Beyond the litter, instances of inappropriate behaviour added to the dismay.
Foreign tourists, once a mainstay of Goa’s appeal, were notably absent from the beaches.
According to a local life guide, many are deterred by inappropriate behaviour from some domestic tourists.
“There have been incidents of ogling and even inappropriate touching. Just last night, we had to call the police to intervene,” he reported.
Call for change
The unchecked influx of ‘cheap’ tourists has sparked widespread concern among locals and stakeholders.
Many are calling for stricter regulations to ensure that Goa attracts more responsible and high-spending visitors.
“Promoting quality tourism is the only way forward. We need tougher laws against littering, drinking in public and inappropriate behaviour. Without these measures, Goa’s image will continue to deteriorate,” said John Lobo, Secretary of the Goa Shack Owner’s Association.
New Year’s resolution for Goa
As the stakeholders braced for another day of crowds, the ‘old man’ stood as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Goa.
His depiction, surrounded by liquor bottles, wasn’t just a farewell to 2024 but also a plea for a cleaner and more respectful future.
It’s time for Goa’s stakeholders and the government to turn that plea into action and reclaim the beauty of its beaches and streets for everyone to enjoy.
