PANJIM: The Tourism Minister Manohar Azgaonkar has directed the State Police to crackdown on illegal hawkers and all sorts of unlawful activities along the beach belt, which currently is witnessing a huge influx of tourists.
The minister had convened a high level meeting on Thursday and directed strong police deployment at all beaches and tourist spots to curb various nuisances that continue to haunt tourists visiting Goa.
A press release issued by the Tourism Department states that Azgaonkar took strong note of issues concerning tourism especially on the beaches, and stated that he has been receiving complaints from visitors and locals at regular intervals. He has thus directed the Goa Police to take stern and immediate action against all unauthorised activities, hawking, etc, along the beach belt.
The minister also directed the wardens appointed by the Tourism Department not to turn a blind eye to illegalities and also warned of action if anyone among them was found conniving with the violators.
Interacting with senior officials from Goa Police and the Department of Tourism, Azgaonkar categorically said, “I do not want Goa to earn a bad name for any reason whatsoever.”
He also stated that shacks operating on the beaches have to follow all guidelines in letter and spirit.
“I have instructed the officials concerned to take stringent action against hawkers and illegal activities on the beaches and tourist spots under Section 34 of the Tourist Trade Act and I have also directed the Department of Tourism to suspend licenses of shacks not adhering to guidelines of the department,” he further said.
Azgaonkar took note of suggestions from the officials for issuing identity cards to shack operators and their staff. It was also suggested that workers at shacks should be asked to wear uniforms. Likewise the government will take up the installation of CCTV cameras at beaches at the earliest.
