Team Herald
PANJIM: The Department of Tourism has imposed a fine of Rs one lakh each on the owners and hotel-keeper of 31 properties in North Goa District for non- registration and non-renewal of hotels, guest houses under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1982.
These hoteliers have been asked to deposit the fine in the government treasury within a period of 30 days and in case of failure on their part to pay the fine imposed, the same shall be recovered as arrears of land revenue and the business shall be liable to be closed.
Further, the Prescribed Authority (North Goa) shall proceed to seal the business premises and order disconnection of water and electricity connection under Section 2 (3) of the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, the public notice states.
The notice issued by the Director Tourism also warns that if the seal affixed by the presiding authority is tampered with or damaged hotel-keeper as the case may be, shall be liable to pay additional fine of Rs 10 lakh apart from further action under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860.
Most of these defaulting hotel and guest houses are situated in the coastal belt of Calangute, Candolim, Arpora, Anjuna and Morjim.
