let us hope that this impact assessment that is being undertaken is awarded with no vested interest in mind, this government is become synonymous with coming up with fudged reports and statistics
http://www.navhindtimes.in/rent-a-car-scheme-impact-assessment-to-be-undertaken-before-lifting-moratorium/
When the private agency rankings were declared a few weeks ago, we mocked it and even spoke of its authenticity. Today we have been shown by the Union’s figures that Goa does not even stand in the top 10 let alone 3rd as indicated by false reports.
http://www.navhindtimes.in/centres-figures-show-goas-true-place-in-tourism/
What gives Messias the authority to speak on taxi issues, just because he is the president of TTAG does not give him the right to talk about taxis
It servers the Goa government right , to think that they are above the law and do just as they please. Now the lobbies will work over time to ensure that the Coastal Zone Management plan is put on paper!
http://www.navhindtimes.in/ngt-bans-construction-activity-in-coastal-areas-of-goa/
The North Goa Taxi owners and drivers seem to not realizing that they are walking a tight rope right now and that they are not in any position to be negotiation with the government. When they had the opportunity to self impose the app and digital meters, they dragged their feet and continue to do so.
Yet it must be now said that the government and in all probability private parties promoted by TTAG see this as a opportunity to compel taxi drivers to buy some Nth rate apps which will collapse sooner then later. The government, GTDC tourism dept and TTAG must come out with a clean and well thought out solution not ones which crush the working class for their own benefit
http://epaper.heraldgoa.in/Details.aspx?id=32047&boxid=15235091&uid=&dat=11/24/2017
Why is it that the so called ‘Babas’ who are found sitting along with these foreigners not mentioned in this article at all? Yes the banyan tree and what happens under the tree is a well know fact know to both locals and the tourist, if this be the case why has it not been closed down?
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/arambols-drug-den-500m-from-beach-a-banyan-tree/articleshow/61774694.cms
Away from the bustling tourists who flock the tranquil Arambol beach, a walk down a narrow lane from the main road at Girkar vaddo stands a banyan tree. Tucked away just 500m from the beach entrance, under its shade, a temporary structure for sitting makes it the perfect place to roll a joint or snort one.
And it is here that a group of 15-20 foreigners come every day and spend two hours in the morning and two in the evening—from 10 to 12 and then again from 4 to 6—making it the drug den for the season.
It is an exclusive group consisting of African nationals, mainly Nigerians, and not everyone has an invitation. A message is passed among the group and they all assemble under the banyan tree. No one knows where the drugs come from, where it is kept or even these drug addicts.
Locals reckon that roadside bushes and isolated areas not frequented by either the villagers or foreigners are the pickup joints. But no one dares to check it out, even the cops. Police have faced the gang’s brunt, and prefer to look the other way, say locals.
One evening, during the scheduled time for the drug addicts to assemble, when TOI reached the site, there wasn’t anyone in sight. A few minutes later, an African national approached only to scurry away and raise an alarm for the group not to make their appearance.
For the record, police have arrested two foreigners. But police officers, on condition of anonymity, blame it on lack of stringent rules to punish these foreigners who deal in drugs.
“On many occasions, we have arrested foreigners involved in drug trade. But they secure bail and soon, they are back in business. There are no deportation rules and they take advantage of it. There needs to be a proper deportation rule in place to weed out the problem,” says a police officer.
“They not only create nuisance in the area, but also harass other foreigners. This is hampering our business, as tourists prefer to stay away. Also, many girls are employed at various establishments during the tourist season. There is a risk to them too,” says a local shopkeeper.
