PANAJI
The 15-day deadline issued by Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte to water sports operators to implement the queue system officially ends on Friday with the Tourism Department granting operators an additional week to comply or face action.
The decision comes after they requested Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Minister Khaunte more time during the Goa Tourism Stakeholder Conclave held at Dona Paula this Monday. Tourism officials, however, confirmed that most operators have already met the compliance requirements.
“By and large, the water sports operators have complied with the order. However, a few requested an extension and it has been granted but only for a week,” the source revealed.
The minister, on January 2, had conceded lapses in compliance over the past two years while highlighting safety risks posed by unregistered boats operating without mandatory approvals. “In the last couple of months, there have been three to four incidents involving boats that were not even registered with the Department of Tourism. This creates major hurdles for tourists,” he had said.
Khaunte even expressed frustration over the lack of accountability within associations representing water sports operators, urging them to take responsibility for their members. He stated that irresponsible operators were damaging the industry’s reputation.
“It’s high time association members realize that some irresponsible operators are causing a nuisance. Associations must step up and ensure compliance among their members,” Khaunte stated.
To enhance safety and streamline operations, the minister asked the Captain of Ports not to issue licenses for water sports activities unless operators obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Department of Tourism. The department’s previous deadline of November 30, 2024, saw minimal adherence.
