PANJIM: Following complaints on social media with regard to harassment meted out to tourists by Goa Traffic Police, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has asked cops not to unnecessarily harass tourists, as this sends a wrong signal worldwide.
Sawant met with the Goa Police, Traffic Police, North and South Collectors to take stock of the traffic preparedness and security, ahead of the festive season in Goa.
Sawant, while briefing the media, said he has asked police to focus on black spots along roads and areas, which face the maximum traffic congestion and accordingly, work out a traffic management plan.
The Chief Minister said he has directed the officials to instruct traffic and security personnel to be cordial while interacting with people when on duty. “I have directed the traffic and police not to unnecessarily harass tourists, as it sends a wrong signal to the people coming to Goa on vacation,” he said.
Sawant said that he also spoke about the new policy. “The policy would be such that once the vehicles pass the checking at the State border, a sticker will be pasted on it which will be valid and will ensure that the vehicle is not unnecessarily stopped for the purpose of document inspection again within the State during the specified time,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar, who was present at the meeting, instructed Traffic Police officials to ensure that no accidents are reported during the festive season.
Also present at the meeting were Waste Management Minister Michael Lobo, MLAs Churchill Alemao, Alina Saldanha and Jayesh Salgaonkar and other officials.
