The Tourism Department has written to the Pernem police to register a First Information Report (FIR) against the driver/owner of a Goa-registered Toyota Innova car for recklessly and illegally driving on the beach at Morjim.
The unauthorized entry of vehicle GA-03-Z-8474 on the beach was reported around noon on December 8, 2022. In its letter to the Pernem police inspector backed with visual evidence of the car stuck in the sand, Deputy Director of Tourism Dhiraj Vagle has sought an FIR against the concerned person.
“I request you to register an FIR against the owner/driver of the above-mentioned vehicle under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code as well as other relevant provisions in force and initiate further criminal proceedings against the Accused,” the letter to the police states.
Morjim is already a declared turtle nesting site and violators are also liable for punishment under the conservation act.
While the incident involves a local vehicle, the State has reported quite a few incidents wherein beach visitors, particularly tourists are blatantly disregarding the order that bans the movement of motor vehicles on the beaches. The vehicle owners/drivers have been subsequently taken to task with the department recommending FIR as well as a penalty against the violators, whether locals or tourists.
The Goan in its edition on November 27 had quoted police and tourist wardens claiming that violation of the law is visible nearly every week or fortnight.
