the goan I network
PANAJI
The Department of Tourism is exploring the possibility of extending beach patrolling between dusk and dawn in order to prevent untoward mishaps and unwarranted activities which are affecting Goa’s image as a safe tourism destination.
During a meeting convened on Friday by the Minister for Tourism Manohar Ajgaonkar, he strongly reiterated that measures have to be put in place through law enforcement, surveillance, and awareness drives to step up safety and security measures for tourists visiting Goa.
The Director of Tourism, Menino D’Souza and Managing Director of GTDC Nikhil Desai were also present at the meeting.
Ahead of the new season, the Department of Tourism will initiate certain measures which include setting up signboards at important beaches and tourist spots cautioning tourists to adhere to all safety instructions especially on the beaches.
“Wherever required the Department of Tourism will move amendments to the Tourist Trade Act in the next Goa Assembly session to impose penalties and fines to serve as deterrents against violators and violations,” Ajgaonkar said. There were suggestions that consumption of alcohol on the beach, and driving on the beach should be deemed as offences.
Ajgaonkar urged Drishti (lifeguard agency) to step up beach and water patrollings and make it round the clock and also offered support in terms of additional equipment and vehicles required to monitor beaches and prevent tourists from venturing into the waters between sunset and sunrise.
Other tourism stakeholders present at the meeting, which included shack operators, were directed to install CCTVs in shacks for the next season, failing which their licenses would be cancelled. Shack operators were also directed not to encourage or support unauthorized touts and hawkers, and to discourage people from venturing into the sea in an inebriated condition.
A proposal was also moved to set up village wise committees which include representatives of tourism stakeholders, police and the Department of Tourism who would be responsible for tourism activities within a specific area on the beach. It was discussed that a WhatsApp number would also be set up and linked to the law enforcing agency who would act immediately on any reports of violations. The Department of Tourism has also been directed to have beach wardens to work in tandem with the committees.
During the meeting, Goa Tourism Development Corporation which has been creating tourism-related infrastructure informed that the exercise is on to set up high mast lamps on the beach belt both in North and South Goa and would look into requests for further illumination in areas required. Installation of
CCTVs and surveillance systems on key beaches are also underway.
