THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
The State government is preparing to clamp down on water sports during the monsoon on safety grounds and concerns following recent drowning tragedies and the potential damage to Goa’s tourism brand.
The Captain of Ports (CoP) department is moving to withdraw its 2021 notification that permitted licensed operators to conduct activities under "favourable" weather conditions.
That order had allowed operations if sea and weather were deemed safe. But complaints have mounted that some operators continued even during heavy rain and rough seas, endangering passengers.
Officials said the risks are too high and sea conditions change rapidly in the monsoon with sudden squalls and rough currents which can turn routine rides into life threatening situations.
The government now is toying with a blanket ban until the rains recede.
Officials said, the CoP is weighing the option to either summarily revoke the 2021 notification or modify it with stricter restrictions.
A full withdrawal of the 2021 notification would mean no water sports until the monsoon wanes, perhaps the only full-proof way the government can ensure tourist and public safety.
The move comes against the backdrop of recent tragedies. Earlier this month, a tourist drowned at Baga beach after being swept away by strong waves. The incident occured in the popular northern coastal belt, where lifeguards are already struggling to manage reckless visitors.
Such cases have raised alarm over lax enforcement and the risks posed by adventure tourism in unsafe conditions and tourism stakeholders admit such mishaps end up tarnishing Goa’s safe destination brand.
The government’s proposed ban is expected to face resistance from operators who rely on monsoon business.
If enforced, the ban will mark a reversal of the 2021 liberal view, incidentally taken at a time when the government was eager to revive tourism and economic activity in the aftermath of the pandemic.
