PANIM: The Tourism department has banned drinking liquor on beaches and warned violators they would be arrested and penalised with a fine of Rs 5,000 ahead of the new tourist season.
Officials said tourist police force has been instructed to ensure that people follow laws, ensure safety of women and that beggars and stray hawkers will not be tolerated.
The department has already declared ‘drinking’ as a nuisance under Goa Tourist Places, Protection and Maintenance Act 2001. Similarly, an order banning littering will be issued shortly.
“We will put up signboards on all beaches warning tourists not to litter on the coast. Those found violating the law will be detained by the police and fined Rs 5,000 by tourism officials,” Deputy Director Pamela Mascarenhas said.
Ensuring yet another strict measure to curb traffic congestion along the beach belt, the tourism department has also prohibited parking of private vehicles. She said there will be zero tolerance for beggars and hawkers on beaches as well.
Movements of all the visitors at major beaches will be captured on CCTV cameras with the department in the process of reviewing the entire security arrangement on the beaches. The Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) will continue to patrol the beaches. “Ten new vehicles will be deployed shortly for patrolling areas in both the districts. CCTV cameras will be installed at all major beaches in the forthcoming tourist season,” another officer Arvind Khutkar said. The department has also constituted a flying squad while a special surveillance and monitoring team will inspect illegal activities in hotels, shacks and beaches.
During a recent sensitization workshop, the IRB personnel have been instructed to take strict action against persons found dumping garbage, drinking on beaches, cooking food along the roadside and littering. They have also been asked to maintain strict vigil on the security of tourists especially women and prohibit hawkers and beggars from beaches. An order in this regard will be issued soon.
