A visit to Goa happened may be after 40 years. The visual memory was in for a shock.
Domestic tourist in hordes at Aguada Fort or around the historic church square Basilica Bom Jesus, daring 32 degree C afternoon sun was a scene I never imagined. Miramar Beach with greyish sand and a ride on boat with loud engine noise for sunset point or dolphin cruise, crazy loud kranky music played ostensibly for visitors to dance seemed like an idea beyound comprehension, shooing off dolphines, scaring them even to raise their head above water, clouds covered distant sunset way above the horizen as if shielding sun from human invasion.
Someone suggested foreign tourist are limited to around Arambol Beach, looking at shanties lineup at entry after parking there, I wondered is there any regulation to operate after the issue of license? Every plot to damage the natural pristine appreciation exists, guests must be wondering if they would return again.
All seven days local newspaper in the morning came with a prominent story of road accident and linked organ donations, facilitation of logistics and saving lives, no tourist would like to see first thing in morning. Highways connecting Karnataka and Maharashtra passing through Goa might have facilitated faster movement but if they do any good to the region that banks upon inflow of tourists, is question. Hilly terrain, narrow roads are better served through two wheelers at the most.
Then there are plenty of old buildings, fallen parapet walls, ill maintained multi storey buildings in case one digs deep. Trekking into Chimbel exposes further the life of locals with limited resources.
Lot of learning exists from European destinations on how to keep the show going, living with nature, preserving habitat, livelihoods.
Forests on Western Ghats now seem next in line.... Bondla & Mollen... agenda is set ?Salim Ali bird sanctuary closed for now.
