MAPUSA
The nuisance caused by some domestic tourists in Goa continues unabated, with yet another incident highlighting the growing disregard for local laws and public order.
Early Tuesday morning, a group of Indian tourists were caught cooking food openly on the roadside in Anjuna, in clear violation of the government’s ban on such activities.
According to sources, the tourists were seen preparing food using two mini cooking gas cylinders near the Anjuna Post Office at Tembir.
The sight of the group squatting by the roadside, cooking in the open, shocked nearby residents who have repeatedly complained about such unruly behaviour becoming common in the coastal belt.
An alert local immediately informed the Anjuna Police about the incident, citing both safety and nuisance concerns.
Acting swiftly, the police team reached the spot and detained the tourists for questioning.
Police later confirmed that a fine of Rs 10,000 was imposed on the group for violating public safety norms and creating a nuisance in a public place.
This incident comes despite repeated warnings from the state government and law enforcement agencies prohibiting cooking or camping in public areas, especially along beaches and roadsides.
Authorities have stressed that such actions pose fire hazards and tarnish Goa’s image as a responsible tourism destination.
Local residents and civic activists have expressed growing frustration over what they describe as “rampant misbehaviour” by some visitors who take undue advantage of Goans’ warm and hospitable nature.
“These tourists come here and behave as if the law doesn’t apply to them. They litter, drink on the roads, create a nuisance, and now even cook openly,” said one resident from Anjuna, calling for stricter enforcement and heavier penalties.
Police officials said that intensified patrolling and awareness drives are underway to curb such activities, particularly in popular tourist stretches like Anjuna, Vagator and Calangute, where incidents of drunken brawls, rash driving, and public nuisance have become disturbingly frequent.
Authorities reiterated that while Goa continues to welcome tourists from across India and abroad, those who flout local laws and disrespect public spaces will face strict action.
