MLAs seek ban on glass bottles, plastic on beaches, seek better policing
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte goes through files in the Assembly, on Thursday.
MAPUSA
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Wednesday came down heavily on unruly tourists who consume alcohol in public and litter Goa’s beaches, stating that such visitors act as if “anything is allowed in Goa.”
Responding to concerns raised in the Assembly, Khaunte said, “There is already a law in place where public consumption of alcohol is considered a nuisance, and violators are fined ₹5,000. We welcome tourists, but they must follow the law and behave responsibly.”
Coastal MLA Michael Lobo had earlier raised the issue of tourists carrying alcohol bottles to beaches, breaking them, and leaving glass shards in the sand, posing safety risks to others. “People come here for good memories. But when they step on glass and get injured, it sends a bad message,” he said, further highlighting the problem of plastic waste strewn across the coastline.
In response, Khaunte acknowledged the issue and said the tourism department had proposed a refundable deposit scheme wherein liquor stores collect a deposit from buyers, to be refunded when bottles are returned.
“This discourages littering. Unfortunately, many tourists don’t display basic civic sense. The same people behave responsibly abroad,” he said.
Khaunte also pointed to ongoing efforts, including wardens stationed along beaches and a Beach Vigil app that allows citizens to report littering by uploading photos.
“The cleaning agency immediately attends to the reported location,” he said, adding that tourist police patrol the 104-km coastal belt.
Lobo urged the government to consider banning glass liquor bottles and plastic bags on beaches, and to increase fines for violators.
“Steep fines will send a strong message. We also need visible signboards at beach entry points warning against public drinking,” he said.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant noted that there have been complaints that police action is sometimes misconstrued as harassment. However, he assured the House that the government would explore possibilities to tighten enforcement.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao also supported increasing the fine amount, saying that deterrence is essential.
“Only when the penalties are severe will people think twice before violating the law,” he said.
