Team Herald
PANJIM: Long accused of harassing motorists in the name of checking, traffic police will now have their work cut out, as only those wearing body cameras will be allowed to issue challans for traffic violations across the State.
The announcement in this regard was made by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday. Going forward only officers wearing body cameras at the rank of Police Inspector (PI) and RTO officers (during the day), as well as Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs) (at night), will be authorised to issue-traffic related
challans.
Motorists and tourists alike have frequently voiced concerns over being stopped on Goa’s roads, often under dubious circumstances, with allegations that the police were more interested in extracting bribes than enforcing traffic rules.
The Chief Minister suggested that if a police officer of a rank lower than PI is found stopping motorists and soliciting money, the driver should take a photograph of the officer and report it to the Goa police. "Any such officer found engaging in these practices will be suspended immediately," Sawant said. He emphasised, however, that officers could still stop vehicles for major traffic violations but would not have the authority to issue challans.
Similarly, only RTO officers posted as taluka nodal officers, equipped with body cameras, will be authorised to issue challans. The decision will take effect immediately, though an official notification will follow in the coming days. Sawant also noted that the police would press into service dash cameras, signal cameras, and AI-based tools to capture traffic violations, ensuring that challans are directly sent to the violator’s residence.
This measure, the Chief Minister emphasised, was designed to curb corruption and alleviate the harassment faced by motorists and tourists. Allegations of police officers extorting money from drivers have been widespread, and this step aims to put an end to these practices.
Goa to crack down on roadside cooking, littering
by tourists
Team Herald
PANJIM: In a bid to preserve the pristine beauty of Goa’s beaches and landmarks, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced tough measures for tourists who engage in roadside cooking and littering. On Friday, Sawant declared that such visitors will face strict penalties.
The Chief Minister made it clear that cooking by the roadside or dumping waste in public areas will no longer be tolerated. Tourists who bring cooking equipment, such as LPG cylinders and stoves, will have their gear confiscated at border checkpoints or in open spaces. They will also face fines.
“From now on, tourists arriving in buses and other vehicles will not be allowed to bring cooking equipment. If caught cooking along the roadside, they will be taken to the police station, along with their equipment,” Sawant stated. However, he clarified that fines would not be issued on the spot but emphasised that tourists could opt to hire a hall for dining instead.
Expressing his concern over the growing issue of litter, Sawant stressed the importance of keeping Goa clean and green. “If we want to maintain the cleanliness of our tourist destinations, we must adhere to these rules strictly,” he stated.
In addition to tackling cooking and littering, the Chief Minister announced that the state will take firm action against touts, unauthorised beach side masseurs and beggars, all of whom may face arrest as part of the new move.