PANAJI
In a stern move to curb the growing nuisance of tourists cooking on roadsides and beaches, the Goa government officials will begin seizing cooking stoves and LPG cylinders at the borders itself.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant warned that tourists found cooking in public spaces, be it beaches, roadsides or open grounds, will face strict action and will not have their seized items returned.
“Tourists cook and eat on beaches and roadsides, ultimately littering these places. But now the stove and gas will be seized at the border. If they sneak it in and are caught cooking in public places, action will be taken,” he said at a press conference after chairing a review meeting with the Chief Secretary, Prosecution Director and Goa Police at Porvorim on Friday.
He urged visitors to respect the laws and environment of Goa adding that tour operators and bus drivers bringing in tourists with such equipment will also be held accountable.
“Tourists can rent out a place to cook and eat. There is no need to dirty public spaces,” he further suggested, reiterating that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
He also announced a crackdown on illegal activities along the beach belt. Beggars, illegal touts and unlicensed masseurs found operating on beaches will be arrested and not released.
The issue of domestic tourists cooking, bathing and even sleeping in public spaces has been frequently raised in the Legislative Assembly.
The tourism department had in 2014 mooted an order banning roadside cooking. In 2022, the government imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 for open-air roadside cooking, littering, drinking alcohol in public places and breaking of glass bottles.
The government stated that violations have however continued, prompting this latest push for stricter enforcement right at Goa’s entry points. “If we want a clean and green Goa, strict action must be taken,” Sawant said.
