Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Expressing serious concern over the rising number of accidents in the state, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Tuesday called for strict curbs on alcohol consumption and nightlife activities, particularly in North Goa’s popular tourism hubs.
“If accidents have increased, then drinking must stop. Bars and nightclubs should be shut down—we do not want a nightclub culture,” Rane said, stressing that public safety must take precedence over entertainment.
He pointed out that many parents live in constant fear when their children step out at night to places like Calangute, Anjuna and Vagator, uncertain if they will return home safely.
Highlighting the emotional toll of fatal accidents, the Health Minister said, “There are so many mothers who worry when their children go out at night… When someone in a family dies, it shatters the entire family.”
Rane suggested that nightclubs should be mandatorily closed by midnight and even proposed restrictions on alcohol consumption within clubs.
“Even in clubs, alcohol consumption should be restricted to two pegs,” he said, acknowledging that the youth may not agree with his views but asserting that such measures are necessary in the larger public interest.
Calling for a shift in the state’s tourism focus, Rane advocated promoting spiritual and wellness-based tourism.
“We need to promote spiritual tourism such as yoga festivals and spiritual music festivals—clean events where our youth will not fall into vices,” he added.
