Goa emerging as sex & drug centre: Industry

PTI, PANAJI | 23 February 2010 20:53 IST

Tourism in Goa is earning a bad name with state slowly emerging as a drug and sex destination, feels state’s apex commerce and industry body.

Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), in its pre-budget memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Digamber Kamat has voiced its concern over bad repute earned by the state due to recent incidents.

"There is no basic tourism and entertainment infrastructure in the state. Problems of law and order and garbage will spell doom for the state tourism," the memorandum signed by GCCI President Cesar Menezes says.

The memorandum was handed over to Mr Kamat today by the GCCI delegation. They discussed the issues in detail with him with a request to inculcate it in the ensuing state budget.

GCCI has said "there is need to encourage private participation in the development of tourism infrastructure."

The apex body's virtual discontent against the happening on tourism front comes as a rejoinder to the recent press conference by Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), which had feared to lose the tourism to Russian mafia threat.

Goa in last couple of years had witnessed spate of crimes against foreigners including a recent incident of rape on a nine-year old Russian girl at Arambol beach.

The state police machinery, which was under intense criticism, has now decided to patrol the sea shores till midnight.

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It is a pleasant surprise to see the GCCI admit that the state is fast becoming a hub for the drug trade and sex tourism! What about the innumerable liquor shops available almost in every alternate house and the accidents caused due to drunk drivers? What about the spate of crimes rocking this small state, which was once known for its tranquility and communal harmony? What about the gambling receiving patronage from the corrupt and selfish?

- Vishwas Prabhudesai, Loliem | 24 th February 2010 13:43