Panaji: Tourists are heading to the beaches of Goa to celebrate New Year

Panaji: Goa seems to be the favorite destination to welcome the New Year as tourists flock to the beaches and hotels of the coastal state during this rainy season. Roads leading to the beaches of Calangute, Candolim, Baga and Vagator in North Goa have been facing blackouts since December 25. The hotels have over 90 per cent occupancy this season and will reach total occupancy by December 31, a top official of the state tourism department said. He said, Goa has always been a favorite place for New Year celebrations. Keeping in mind the large influx of tourists, Goa Police has formed special teams of local police, criminal section and forensic experts to control the sale and consumption of narcotics at festive gatherings. Superintendent of Police (North), Nidheen Valson, said teams were carrying out tight control along the length of the French coast with last-generation equipment to tackle drug sales and consumption. Traffic police have also been deployed extensively on long routes leading to the beaches to ease congestion, he said. While the government is in charge of guaranteeing a night without incidents, national tourists enjoy the beaches. Pragat Kumar Singh from Bengaluru, who is on his second visit to the state this year, said: “When it comes to New Year celebrations, Goa tops the list. “We want to make the most of our visit here.”