PANAJI
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has directed officials to take action against unauthorised tourism businesses operating along Goa’s coastal belt without proper permissions. He also said an inquiry is underway into the recent fire at Ashwem.
Speaking to the media, Khaunte said the private shacks destroyed in the fire were allegedly operating without the required approvals.
“When someone runs a business illegally, such incidents can happen. Fortunately, there was no loss of life,” Khaunte said.
He added that he has asked for a detailed report on the incident and has instructed the Tourism Director to form a special team to inspect tourism establishments along the entire coastal belt, from North Goa to South Goa.
According to the minister, the team will check registrations, renewals, category classifications, hotels, private shacks and other tourism-related businesses.
Khaunte expressed concern that several establishments continue to operate without permissions or allegedly misrepresent their business category.
“Some A and B category businesses are registered as C category units. A and B categories include five-star and four-star establishments. The team will verify all such registrations,” he said.
Referring to ease-of-doing-business measures introduced by the department, the minister said entrepreneurs can now start tourism businesses by submitting only three documents. “Despite this, I see Goan owners following the law and getting approvals through proper channels, while some non-Goan owners are misusing the system,” he alleged.
On Thursday night, six cottages were destroyed after a fire broke out at a beach resort near Arambol Beach. The blaze, reported at around 8:45 pm, quickly spread through the wooden structures near Ajoba Temple.
