PANAJI
The Goa government has withdrawn its 2023 notification allowing monsoon water sports in inland waterways, admitting that the Department of Tourism had not notified or demarcated the mandatory zones required for such activities under the policy.
The order revoking the July 5, 2023 notification states that while operators were required to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Tourism Department before starting operations, “there are no designated zones demarcated/notified by the Department of Tourism as watersports activity zones for Monsoon” under the notification.
The admission highlights a major gap in the implementation of the policy, which was introduced to allow monsoon water sports activities in Goa’s inland waters.
The move follows a statement made by the State government before the High Court of Bombay at Goa on Monday that the Captain of Ports (CoP) Department was in the process of withdrawing the notification and would issue a fresh one.
The original notification was introduced to promote river tourism during the monsoon season, from June to September 15, subject to favourable weather conditions and strict safety measures.
Operators were required to undergo inspections by the CoP Department, pay additional survey fees and obtain an NOC from the Directorate of Tourism before beginning operations.
The notification had identified stretches of the Sal, Chapora, Zuari and Mandovi rivers, including areas near Divar Island away from the main navigable channel, along with the Nerul and Sinquerim rivers and Dona Paula Bay for such activities.
