MAPUSA
There is an unusual calm along the Arambol-Keri-Terekhol coastal belt, and it is not without reason.
The tragic paragliding accident that claimed the life of a 26-year-old tourist from Pune and the 25-year-old paraglider pilot, has sparked outrage among locals, with many blaming unregulated adventure sports for the incident.
The tourist and the pilot lost their lives when their paraglider crashed into rocky terrain over the weekend, reportedly due to a technical malfunction.
The incident has brought adventure sports along the scenic Arambol-Paliem-Keri-Terekhol coastline to an abrupt halt, with locals demanding accountability and stricter regulations.
“This is not the first time such a tragedy has happened. Most of these operators run without proper permissions or safety measures. The authorities must step in and put an end to these dangerous activities before more lives are lost,” said Pratamesh Naik, a Keri resident.
Anger is also mounting against local panchayats, with accusations of complicity in allowing these activities to continue unchecked.
“It’s clear that some local bodies are turning a blind eye for personal gain. The lives of tourists and locals are being put at risk because of negligence and greed,” said a former panchayat member, requesting anonymity.
The young tourist’s death has sent shockwaves through the community, as villagers remember the serene coastline being transformed into a hub of unregulated adventure sports in recent years.
Many residents have raised concerns about the lack of enforcement of safety standards and permissions for such activities.
“Why isn’t there proper oversight? If these operators are breaking the rules, they should be shut down. We’ve had enough of this recklessness,” said John Fernandes, a retired fisherman from the area.
The tragic accident has reignited calls for stricter regulation of adventure tourism in Goa, with locals urging the government to take immediate action to ensure the safety of tourists and residents alike.
