PANAJI
The Tourism Department on Friday announced that sterilisation and treatment of stray dogs on the beaches will begin on Monday as they are coordinating with the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AHVS) and Mission Rabies for the drive.
Speaking at a press conference at Paryatan Bhavan, Tourism Director Kedar Naik stated that the drive will help address the growing menace of stray dogs along the coastline.
“There have been increasing concerns regarding dog bites on beaches, particularly in Colva, Benaulim and Ozrant. We have formally requested AHVS and Mission Rabies to initiate sterilization efforts. It will begin on Monday,” Naik said, emphasizing that the initiative is designed to enhance public safety, promote animal welfare, and improve the overall tourism experience.
The sterilization and treatment program will be rolled out across various beaches with detailed location schedules coordinated with relevant authorities. As part of this initiative, injured dogs will be rescued, treated and rehabilitated.
“We have always been working at ensuring a safe and responsible tourism ecosystem. This sterilization and treatment drive will not only help control the stray dog population but also contribute to a more hygienic and animal-friendly environment. We urge all stakeholders to support and cooperate with this initiative for the greater benefit of Goa’s tourism sector,” he added.
To further reinforce anti-rabies efforts, the Mission Rabies hotline will be widely promoted through hoardings and awareness campaigns.
In a separate initiative, the Tourism department announced stringent measures against touts and illegal businesses operating on the beaches. Stakeholders, including shack operators and beach associations, have been directed to prevent unauthorized vendors from conducting business on the premises.
“If the associations are unable to control the situation, we will intervene using legal mechanisms to permanently curb unauthorized activities,” Naik warned.
The beach shack operators are further instructed to ensure that no illegal businesses operate within their premises while also officials are exploring stricter regulations to empower beach associations in handling such issues effectively.
“Tourists and stakeholders are encouraged to report tout-related grievances through the Beach Vigil App. The government remains committed to providing visitors with a seamless and hassle-free experience,” the director said.
