Team Herald
PANJIM: The Goa Tourism Department has barred Meena Countinho of Umtavaddo-Calangute from operating the watersports boat for three years, and has forfeited fees, for operating an unauthorised and overloaded boat at Calangute Beach, resulting in a tragic incident on December 25, 2024.
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The boat had capsized, causing one fatality and injuring five persons, all hailing from Khed, Maharashtra.
An investigation revealed the lack of valid permissions and overloading. As a result, Coutinho was barred from operating the vessel for three years, and all fees paid are
forfeited.
During the investigation, the Coastal security police had found that the owner of the boast had not obtained any valid permission from the Authority to carry out tourist activities, business of boating water sports at Calangute.
The Department of Tourism had issued a show cause notice to Coutinho as to why action should not be initiated against her under Rule 3 of the Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) (Boat Rides/Parasailing and Watersports Activities) Rules, 2005 and the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1982.
The boat was carrying passengers over and above the capacity, which resulted in capsizing of the vessel.
Tourism Dept clamps down
on paramotor flying activities
The State Tourism Department has taken strict action against unauthorised paramotor flying activities conducted at Keri Beach.
As per Section 22 of the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1982, a fine of Rs 1 lakh has been imposed on the person engaged in the unauthorised activity, to be paid within 30 days. Failure to comply will attract additional penalties, and the amount will be recovered as arrears of land revenue if unpaid. The Tourist Police Unit has been directed to monitor and ensure that the violator does not engage in unauthorised activities in the future, said the Department in a press statement issued.
