PANAJI
The Goa Tourism Department on Friday said it was working out a plan to implement a ban on swimming in the sea from the night till early morning, limit tourism activity to a limited area on a beach and even put together punitive measures for tourists violating law.
The decision was taken at a meeting conducted by Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar and industry stakeholders after a series of incidents involving tourists such as gangrape and mass drowning occurred.
These incidents forced the government to think of ways and means to limit violations along the state’s coastal belt, which is popular with tourists.
“The Tourism Department is exploring possibilities of extending beach patrolling between dusk and dawn in order to prevent untoward mishaps and unwarranted activities which is affecting Goa’s image as a safe tourism destination,” Ajgaonkar said after the meeting.
He also said that measures have to be put in place through law enforcement, surveillance, awareness drives and others to step up safety and security measures for tourists visiting Goa.
Ahead of the new season, tourism authorities will also set up signboards at important beaches and tourist spots cautioning tourists to adhere to all safety instructions, especially on the beaches.
“The Tourism Department will move amendments to the Tourist Trade Act in the next Assembly session to impose penalties and fines to serve as deterrents against violators and violations,” Ajgaonkar said, adding that consumption of alcohol on the beach and driving on the beach should be deemed as offences.