Proliferation of drugs
The seizure of over 9 kg of hydroponic weed valued at approximately Rs 3.16 crore at the Manohar International Airport in Mopa has once again exposed Goa’s vulnerability to international drug trafficking routes linked to tourist destinations. Goa Police data show a significant rise in narcotics seizures over recent years, with large hauls including hydroponic cannabis, cocaine, MDMA, heroin and others, with arrests of locals, non-locals and foreigners alike. Goa has reportedly recorded hundreds of arrests and drug seizures worth tens of crores since 2020, indicating ongoing narcotics activity. Tourism, nightlife and transit links make Goa vulnerable as distribution and transit points rather than just for local consumption. However, Goa Police have asserted that higher seizures may reflect better policing, intelligence and inter-agency coordination, not necessarily a sudden surge in drug supply. 2025 saw a major uptick in drug enforcement. Incidentally, drug trafficking in India is widespread and not confined to any one state. The Goa Police have reportedly announced plans to identify and act against major traffickers and networks, rather than just small dealers. Customs and NDPS enforcement have been stepped up with intelligence inputs to intercept high-value consignments at airports. Identifying kingpins and disrupting supply chains, including international links, can significantly weaken the drug trade. Goa could be exploited as an entry or transit point. However, it has not been proved conclusively that Goa is the central entry hub for drugs into India. The situation is part of broader narcotics trafficking trends across many regions. For better enforcement, it seems necessary to expand technical surveillance, data analysis and collaboration with central agencies like the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Increased patrolling at ports, beaches, bus stands and railway stations is vital.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Political setback
The Unity Mall issue has now escalated beyond administration into a crisis of public trust. As more people, NGOs and opposition voices join the protest, the government’s silence and mixed signals from the local MLA and ZP member have only fuelled anger and confusion. Branding this resistance as selective opposition to government projects ignores the reality that people are objecting to alleged illegalities, environmental destruction and the lack of transparency. Across Goa, citizens are resisting projects that bypass law and ecology, making this movement neither isolated nor politically manufactured, but deeply emotional and people-driven. If this were merely a political move or an opposition conspiracy, it would not have drawn such widespread civil society support. While opposition parties may now be amplifying the issue, the spark clearly comes from the ground. Even the CM’s claim that the project benefits local bodies and self-help groups fails to justify sidelining environmental and legal concerns. Development imposed without consent invites resistance, and dismissing public outrage as politics risks turning a governance challenge into a long-term political setback for the ruling party.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Indore shocker
The pollution of drinking water by sewage in Indore was bound to happen. That it commenced in Indore is surprising, since for many years the city led the charts as the ‘cleanest’ city in India. The ‘clean’ aspect is judged by what one sees above ground. No one sees the mess that we push underground. Across India, sanitation is a major problem since, true to common psychology, what we do not like we push out of sight—and where can it go but underground. Also, the rampant expansion of cities and infrastructure has led to traffic jams underground as much as those seen with vehicles above ground. It is congested below ground with all kinds of pipes carrying drinking water, sewage, electrical cables, telecom cables, etc. Thus, it was natural that some pipes would rupture and contaminate each other. Here in Indore, sewage lines mixed with potable drinking water, and thus the tragedy unfolded, with the cleanest city of India seeing people die from drinking contaminated water. It was not only Indore but also Gandhinagar in Gujarat, regions around Hyderabad in Telangana, Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh, and Rohtak and Jhajjar in Haryana which have reported water contamination. So it is a pan-India and systemic problem, and not a localised issue. Pollution of groundwater and nearby wells proximate to garbage landfills is another reason why drinking water across India is not safe. When we talk of development, we should not only think of overground development but also ensure that what we push underground is managed well and developed properly for the health and safety of our people.
S Kamat, Mysore
