Tourism Department declares certain activities as ‘nuisance’, with fines up to Rs 50,000

Team Herald 

PANJIM: In an attempt to improve the tourist experience in Goa, the Tourism Department on Monday declared certain activities as ‘nuisance’. 

Ranging from begging for alms to cooking food in the open and driving or riding vehicles on the beaches, the list covers most practices that tarnish the image of Goa’s beaches. 

The order was drawn up by the Director of Tourism, by exercising his powers under Section 5 (4) of the Goa Tourist Places Protection and Maintenance Act, 2001. Under the Act, violators can be punished with fines from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000 or be liable for action under Section 188 of the IPC. 

The declaration has come against the backdrop of controlling activities that have damaged and deteriorated the tourism potential of the Tourist Places as defined under Section 3 of the Act. 

The Act also can prohibit nuisance activities and further direct the concerned person, company or association or not to undertake such activities in tourist spots, with immediate effect. 

The order prohibits hawkers and vendors from selling their wares from unauthorised kiosks and hand carts, as well as from annoying tourists on the beaches and streets. Operation of all boating and water sports activities from areas other than those permitted and conducted within the demarcated zones, has also been termed as a nuisance, along with placing deck-beds and tables on the beach without valid permits.

All touts and agents who sell tickets to cruises, nightclubs and other services in the open, obstructing the movement of tourists, will be fined, as well as touts who pester tourists to buy tour packages or services offered in places outside Goa, like Karwar, Gokarna, etc. Sale of tickets or services can only take place in authorised offices or kiosks, and not in public places, the order has stressed.  

The consumption of alcohol in public places, as well as breaking of glass bottles and littering tourist spots have been included in the list. Cooking food out in the open, as is often seen on beaches and public parks in the State, has been prohibited as well. 

The Tourism Director has instructed all concerned police personnel to act in aid of the orders.