Very good — this was Nafisa Ali’s first reaction, when we asked her about Goa banning drinking alcohol in public places, including the beaches. The veteran actor, who has been living there for four years, says people stopped caring for the environment in search of revelry.

“I live in Goa. I see people who have no respect for the environment. They go to the shacks, have beer and whatever else, which they throw on the beach or into the sea. It’s very heartbreaking,” shares the 65-year-old.

She adds that she has seen it herself, how dirty the beaches get when travellers are in town: “The shack owners should be held accountable if any of their guests walk on the beach and go from one drink to another. The more they drink, the more they throw things around, litter the place and pollute the water.”

Ali feels that the move will make people more responsible. She adds, “Like we have lifeguards on the beach, we should now have environment watchers, who catch people and fine them. The money can go to the tourism department. Only then will people learn to be morally responsible. They lose control and become irresponsible. They need to realize the impact it (littering) has on the locals here.”