TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
OLD GOA: A Russian woman was detained by Old Goa Police for allegedly conducting unauthorised guiding activities at the Bom Jesus Basilica on Monday.
According to Old Goa Police, they received a complaint from a local tourist guide Narayan Sawant and the police accordingly caught the Russian and produced her before the Tourism department, where she was released on a fine of Rs 2000.
Meanwhile, taking objection to the illegal guiding by Russian tourists increasing by the passing day inside the ASI monuments, particularly the Bom Jesus Basilica, the Goa Tourist Guides Association-Old Goa Chapter (GTGA) has questioned the lethargic attitude of the Tourism department in curbing these illegal activities.
Speaking to Herald, GTAG President Anand Sawant said whenever they catch Russian tourists red-handed guiding illegally in Old Goa, the Tourism department releases them by imposing a meagre fine of Rs 2,000.
“On top of that, when our colleague and senior guide Narayan Sawant questioned Deputy Director Arvind Khutkar over imposition of this meagre fine, Khutkar blatantly told him not to create trouble by complaining against the Russians,” Sawant claimed,
Sawant further informed that they are facing a lot of hurdles whenever they have to file a case of illegal guiding. “When we go to the Old Goa Police, they say that it is not their duty and ask us to either approach the ASI, the Tourist police or the Tourism department,” Sawant informed
When questioned, Deputy Director of Tourism Arvind Khutkar clarified that under Section 26 of the Tourist Trade Act, illegal guiding is a malpractice and the fine ranges from Rs 2000 to Rs 5000 for first time offence.
“If the guides feel that I have faltered in my duty, then they are free to file an appeal to the Secretary (Tourism) who is the Appellate Authority,” added Khutkar.
On discouraging senior guide Narayan Sawant not to file complaint against the Russians, Khutkar flatly denied having had any such discussion with the senior guide on the issue.
Meanwhile in Calangute, taxi owners and drivers on Monday blocked a Russian representative from undertaking taxi-related activities in the coastal belt of Calangute.
According to sources, the taxi owners blocked a vehicle belonging to a travel company near Hotel Palmarinha, Calangute, at about 8 pm, while the vehicle was trying to transport foreigners.
The taxi owners demanded to see the work Visa from the Russian woman, which she failed to produce. The driver hailing from outside the State was also asked to show his licence, but he could not produce it.
Sources further informed that the taxi owners later took the Russian woman and the driver to the Calangute Police station for further action.
Speaking to Herald, a taxi owner, Chandrakant Chodankar, said Russian representatives have been depriving them of business by hiring vehicles from travel companies.
“We have been standing and waiting for a trip for hours together and these foreigners, instead of giving business to Goans, are hiring other people and killing our trade. They are doing illegal business in Goa,” said Chodankar.
