Goa, Going, Gone: Anjuna Market's Future Is Threatened By Indian Authorities

One of the world's best known "hippy" tourist attractions, Anjuna Market in Goa, faces permanent closure following claims from the Indian State's Chief Minister that the market is a 'haven' for drugs. "I won't tolerate drugs, I don't want that culture to start here, I want things to be more organised" Francisco Sardinha told the Guardian this week. "If the drug problem persists I will not hesitate to close it down. After it is closed, it will be closed for ever."

The authorities move to shut down the 25 year old weekly "fleamarket" represents an escalation of what's apparently a campaign aimed at discouraging budget travellers from a region which first made its name in the 60's as one of the world's hippy capitals. The 90's psychedelic trance, free party scene has also been facing sustained pressure with current regulations prohibiting any loud music after 11.30pm. However, money appears to be the true motivation behind the new crackdown.

"We have found a lot of nurses come from the UK to Goa in December, they don't contribute much," Sardinha's deputy Dayanand Narvekar said. "Back in London they would have to heat their places because of the snowfall. Wealthier tourists would be more welcome."

Since the 60's Goa has become the party destination for backpackers exploring the rest of India, and numerous facilities including bars, discos and hostels have sprung up around the region. All types of drugs are widely available, and it's common to see tourists openly smoking joints in cafes or on the beach. However, being arrested in possession of any drugs, including a single marijuana joint, means immediate imprisonment, with 10 year mandatory sentences for those caught with more than 10 grammes (less than a half an ounce). Most worryingly, Goa's police force is plagued with corruption and the possibility of cops planting drugs on innocent travellers in order to extort "backsheesh" remains a very real threat. While this will help if you're actually caught bang-to-rights, for the unsuspecting innocent the consequences can be appalling. Just last year Alexia Stewart, 29 and Gary Carter, 30, were freed after serving 2 years of 10 year sentences for possession, when arresting officers were found to have planted drugs. "Goa has a justic system that the Indian authorities really need to look at," Fair Trials Abroad, said at the time. Adding that the Goa justice system was "appallingly corrupt", they warned, "the evidence of police officers seems to be always accepted - whatever the case."
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