Issues Goa will have to tackle in 2024

Franky Gracias

GOA

Here are some of the issues Goa will have to focus on if it wants to stay on course in 2024.

Goa|Greenery|Farming|Nature

MHADEI WATER

If the government is serious about consistent flow of water in people's taps, then it will have to put to rest the Mhadei water sharing dispute with its neighbour Karnataka in all earnestness.

Goa|Mhadei controversy|Goa|Karnataka|Water dispute

TIGER RESERVE

According to experts, tiger reserve is a strong ammunition to save the Mhadei water from being diverted to Karnataka, but Goa government, or some within it, have been opposed to the move. Establishment of a tiger reserve, environmentalists say, is inevitable.

Goa|Tiger reserve|Wildlife|Forests

NOISE POLLUTION

The authorities failed its people in curbing noise pollution and give them respite, especially in the Northern coastal belt of Anjuna and Vagator, in 2023. In 2024, will things be different?

Goa|Noise pollution|High Court|Social issue

ROAD ACCIDENTS

Lives were lost due to road accidents in 2023 due to both, drunken driving and human negligence. Road traffic authorities, including the police, will have to ensure strict compliance of laws before more lives are snuffed out in 2024.

Goa|Road accidents|Traffic|Fatalities

LED FISHING

This is one issue that has not got the attention it deserves while local and traditional fishermen have knocked the doors of the authorities umpteen number of times to rein in the illegality.

Goa|Trawlers|LED fishing|Fishing

PENDENCY OF COURT CASES

This is one area which also requires focus. More than 50,000 cases are pending in various courts across Goa.

Goa|Pending cases|Law|Judiciary

MINING

One of the mainstays of Goan economy awaits resumption. In 2024, will mining finally resume? But before that the government has to ensure all public hearings are completed on time.

Goa|Mining blocks|Public hearings|ECs

TOURISM

Despite its best efforts, the tourism department has not been able to attract high-end tourists and all that one sees are guests who just come and sully Goa's golden sands with beer bottles and other forms of trash.

Goa|New Year|Crowded beaches|Drunk Tourists

GARBAGE

With the ever-increasing housing projects, roadside garbage is gradually becoming a monumental problem and the authorities are at their wit's end to find a solution. Hope in 2024, Goa will see garbage-free roads and beaches.

Goa|Waste management|Black spots

SMART CITY

Smart City works have been dragging on forever in Panjim. Will the dust finally settle in 2023? Only 2024 will tell.

Goa| Smart City works| Panjim|Digging

NEXT: Goa tourism: Time to rethink in 2024