PANAJI
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has directed officials to take action against unauthorised tourism enterprises operating along Goa’s coastal belt without proper permissions. He also said a probe is underway into the recent fire incident at Ashwem.
Speaking to the media, Khaunte said the private shacks that were gutted in the fire were allegedly operating without necessary approvals.
“When someone tries to do business illegally, such incidents take place. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported,” Khaunte said.
He further stated that he has sought a detailed report on the incident and instructed the Tourism Director to constitute a special team to inspect tourism establishments across the coastal belt from North Goa to South Goa.
According to the minister, the team will verify registrations, renewals, category classifications, hotels, private shacks, and other tourism-related businesses.
Khaunte expressed concern that several establishments continue operations despite lacking permissions or allegedly misrepresenting their business category. “Some A and B category enterprises are registered as C category units. A and B categories include five-star and four-star establishments. The team will check 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 simplifying the process, I see Goan owners following the law and obtaining approvals through proper channels, while some non-Goan owners are misusing the system,” he alleged.
On Thursday night, six cottages were gutted 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.
