Panaji MLA hears out anguished locals during visit to Fontainhas
Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate interacts with the residents of the Latin Quarter in Panaji.
Photo Credits: The Goan
PANAJI
Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate (Babush) has asked tourists to behave responsibly while touring the Latin Quarter. After a walk through the Fontainhas and Sao Tome areas, where the residents have complained about disturbances caused by errant Indian tourists, the minister insisted these "rowdy characters" must be disciplined.
Babush, also Panaji MLA, also compared the domestic tourists with foreigners indicating the latter are well-behaved.
“We will find some solution,” he told reporters, adding, “Foreigners never create nuisance… Fifty percent of Indian tourists visiting Latin Square are not class tourists…They randomly search on Google “Goa mein kya dekhne ka hai” (things to see in Goa) and roam around... They don’t want to understand the culture whereas foreigners are keen to learn about it,” he said.
Monserrate reiterated that while tourists are welcome in the Latin Quarter, they need to be disciplined. “Tourists are always welcome, but discipline is necessary. The residents don’t object to visitors, but they expect respectful behaviour. These residents invest heavily in maintaining their heritage houses but unruly visitors create a menace here and even drink (alcohol),” he said.
During his inspection, the minister further assured the residents to discuss issues such as illegal parking in coordination with the Traffic Police and other concerns with the Corporation of the City of Panaji.
“We will hold a meeting with the concerned officials. Suggestions from the locals will be put forth… For example, no parking zone should be marked because the roads are narrow. We will also ensure the Traffic Police are physically present to enforce rules and prevent violations,” he added.
While slamming the Traffic Police for often complaining of a staff shortage, he quickly mentioned that finger-pointing won’t solve the problem and called for a focus on resolving these long-standing issues.
Residents expressed their frustration during the meeting with the minister, claiming that rental vehicles continue to move through and are illegally parked despite the lanes designated as non-motorized zones. They also sought bigger signage displaying a warning about the penalty for violations. Monserrate admitted that rental vehicles have also contributed to the current problem.
“This has been happening for three years. Daily noise from tourists, their disregard for residents living here, threats and insults towards us and our women, all this is becoming unbearable. The entire Goa is suffering from this low-quality tourism. We have to put an end to this. Such tourism is not good for Goa… we need quality tourism, not this rubbish,” local Aloo Pereira said, speaking to reporters after the inspection.
Another resident, Afonso, added that their peace has been disturbed by tourists who invade their privacy, deface their houses while taking pictures and selfies and peep into their houses.
“We have basically lost our minds and need action at the earliest. There has to be accountability with clear rules and fines for violations,” Afonso said, demanding an immediate action to curb the menace, indiscipline and traffic violations by tourists visiting these areas.
