The Goa Assembly has enacted the Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) Amendment Bill, 2025, in direct response to an unprecedented surge of tourists, over 54.5 lakh in just the first half of the year. Recognizing the strain on Goa’s popular beaches, heritage sites, and tourist hubs, the new legislation empowers authorities to take strict action against unauthorized touting, illegal hawking, alcohol consumption in prohibited zones, littering, public nuisance, and other disruptive practices that have marred the tourism experience. Fines for such offenses have been substantially raised, with penalties now ranging from ₹5,000 up to ₹1 lakh, depending on the severity and nature of the violation. The law also broadens the definition of “nuisance” to include public pestering, ticket touting, illegal sale of services, begging, obstruction of movement, and unauthorized commercial activity at tourist spots.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, who spearheaded the bill, stressed that the amendment is intended to restore discipline, promote responsible tourism, and preserve both visitor experience and local welfare. Offenders could now also face charges under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 for disobeying lawful public servant orders.
Aggressive or unauthorised selling of goods, services, or tickets
Floating objects or boats that are hazardous or polluting
Littering, open-air cooking, or drinking alcohol in non-designated areas
Breaking glass bottles or driving vehicles on beaches
Hawking or begging without permission
Promoting tours outside Goa without state approval
Blocking free movement of tourists or using coercive sales tactics
The updated Section 10 introduces stricter financial penalties:
Minimum fine: ₹5,000
Maximum fine: ₹1 lakh
Repeat or serious offenders may also be booked under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, for ignoring lawful orders from public officials.