PANAJI
Tourism Minister Manohar "Babu" Ajgaonkar on Wednesday revealed his intention to push for a law that would take strong action and serve as a deterrent against those venturing into the sea for the purpose of swimming in an intoxicated condition.
Ajgaonkar convened a meeting with representatives from the tourist police force, coastal police and Drishti Lifesaving at the Secretariat, which was also attended by Tourism Director Menino D'Souza. The agenda was to discuss the recent deaths due to drowning.
Following the meeting, Ajgaonkar stated that he will take up the issue with the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to enact a law.
He said that he will request the government to issue an ordinance immediately in this matter before the new season commences. He said that incidents of deaths due to drowning on the beaches of Goa will bring a bad name to the State.
"All agencies have to act responsibly and in a tough manner to ensure the safety of tourists on the beaches. Incidentally most of the unfortunate accidents on the beaches have been reported due to consumption of alcohol. It is also observed that tourists venture into the deep sea in the late hours of the night," Ajgaonkar stated.
The department has agreed that tourists should not be allowed to venture into the sea after dark as are the rules for swimming in pools enforced by hotels. In the meantime, the Department of Tourism has been directed to instruct all shack operators along the beach belt to erect sign boards in their respective shacks cautioning tourists from venturing into the sea in an intoxicated condition.
It was felt that there was need to enhance awareness of the dangers of swimming under the influence of alcohol. The department has extended all support to the Goa Police, Coastal police and Drishti Lifesaving with regards to stepping up beach safety and water patrol and has also agreed to suggestions for dedicated medical services
such as ambulances for the beach belt in North and
South Goa.
A committee comprising representatives of all agencies concerned is also being constituted which will meet once a month to review beach safety and water patrol issues.
Tourism Minister Manohar "Babu" Ajgaonkar on Wednesday revealed his intention to push for a law that would take strong action and serve as a deterrent against those venturing into the sea for the purpose of swimming in an intoxicated condition.
Ajgaonkar convened a meeting with representatives from the tourist police force, coastal police and Drishti Lifesaving at the Secretariat, which was also attended by Tourism Director Menino D'Souza. The agenda was to discuss the recent deaths due to drowning.
Following the meeting, Ajgaonkar stated that he will take up the issue with the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to enact a law.
He said that he will request the government to issue an ordinance immediately in this matter before the new season commences. He said that incidents of deaths due to drowning on the beaches of Goa will bring a bad name to the State.
"All agencies have to act responsibly and in a tough manner to ensure the safety of tourists on the beaches. Incidentally most of the unfortunate accidents on the beaches have been reported due to consumption of alcohol. It is also observed that tourists venture into the deep sea in the late hours of the night," Ajgaonkar stated.
The department has agreed that tourists should not be allowed to venture into the sea after dark as are the rules for swimming in pools enforced by hotels. In the meantime, the Department of Tourism has been directed to instruct all shack operators along the beach belt to erect sign boards in their respective shacks cautioning tourists from venturing into the sea in an intoxicated condition.
It was felt that there was need to enhance awareness of the dangers of swimming under the influence of alcohol. The department has extended all support to the Goa Police, Coastal police and Drishti Lifesaving with regards to stepping up beach safety and water patrol and has also agreed to suggestions for dedicated medical services
such as ambulances for the beach belt in North and
South Goa.
A committee comprising representatives of all agencies concerned is also being constituted which will meet once a month to review beach safety and water patrol issues.
