MESSAGE TO TOURISTS On World Tourism Day today 27th September, 2008 we at SGPIAG a registered NGO based in Margao welcome all tourist to India's tiniest 25th State.
While native Goans of this land will continue to extend hospitality, we have also reason to forewarn tourists of the unfortunate circumstances that prevail in Goa due to the lackadaisical attitude of our duly elected State Government. IN MIGRATION : Goa has three regional zones -a) the coastal North South b) the Central zone towards the East and c) the Western Ghats The focus of tourism is pre-dominantly in areas in zone a). The beach culture has brought into its fold almost everyone and anyone who deals in the tourist related trade not only from Goa but also India and abroad. This has left very little of what is the essence of the Goan culture and owing to this alarming trade -- the hospitality and simplicity of Goans have undergone a sea change resulting in criminal activities that was uncommon in the Goa of the early sixties and seventies. GARBAGE All along the National Highway 17 and the villages one sees unattended waste both degradable and non-degradable . It is not an unfamiliar site to see street urchins stray dogs and even cattle devouring the garbage. This was uncommon of Goa of the early sixties and seventies VEHICULAR TRAFFIC With a little improvement in the roads most hot mixed vehicular movement is haphazard , chaotic and extremely risky fraught with danger of accidents to motorists and pedestrians . The right of way is followed more in the breach then in conformity with the law. Hence there is enormous risk to life on roads in Goa. Taking cognizance of this reality one sees atleast over a dozen ambulances with sirens screaming away at any given time confirming the enormity of the dangerous on road. OVER-CHARGING As has been the trend in the recent past in Goa travel by public transport is inconvenient and uncertain. The fares are skyrocketting. You could not be guaranteed of action for unlawful activities as the Traffic Police the Road Transport officials are hand in glove with the violators who assure them a share of the booty. Hence the need to cross check your fares and the reliability of the transporter is essential. TERRORIST THREATS With economic empowerment comes related problems. In an election year ( expected by year end or May 2009) politicians raise their pitch and any thing to woo the voters pitting one community against the other to consolidate their vote bank results in communal animosity . The resultant effect is the creation of terrorists who seek to meet the ends of justice by their unlawful actions as the law and order apparatus has failed. Goa too has not been spared and what was not expected earlier in Goa has now made Goa a potential hot spot given that it assumes the stature of a MINI INDIA. SHACKS / TOUTS The coastline is dotted with shacks (temporary eataries). For their survival some of these indulge in unlawful activities drugs narcotics child women and male prostitution, massage parlours etc . Touts make a quick buck depending upon the tourists arrival . With the global recession and financial crisis that has gripped the economy the tourist season does not spell favourable . Hence the potential for unsavoury treatment to tourists appear inevitable. Caution is better than unbridled indulgence with those one interacts. It would therefore be advisable to stand forewarned of the ground realities during this tourist season. Our advisory is available on our weblink. As always we endeavour to make your stay pleasant and hence feel free to call on us on our HELPLINE (24 HRS) for any assistance. For SOUTH GOA PUBLIC INTEREST ACTION GROUP Regd No 171/GOA/2000 dt 12.12.2000 sd/- TERENCE MAZARELO PRESIDENT (SGPIAG) 1st Flr Benlix Bldg Opp Fatima Convent Margao Goa India [EMAIL PROTECTED] weblink http://mumbai.sancharnet.in/manojnd FAX +91 832 2712430 HELPLINE (24 hrs) 9822158584 Tel +91 832 2731373 (O) 9921448535 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GOA/INDIA visit:www.goidirectory.nic.in,www.goagovt.nic.in Download prohibited? No problem. CHAT from any browser, without download. Go to http://in.webmessenger.yahoo.com/
