PANJIM: Against the backdrop of a series of rave parties held in Goa, involving domestic as well as foreign tourists, during the unlock period, Tourism Minister Manohar (Babu) Ajgaonkar on Wednesday said that tourists, who take drugs or create a nuisance are not welcomed in the State.
Addressing media persons, Ajgaonkar said that the government wants to promote “drug-free” tourism in Goa. “Government is committed to act against narcotics. I request media as well as public to help police to crack down against drugs. We want to end drug menace. We want to give drug-free tourism in Goa,” the Minister stated.
Ajgaonkar said the State is looking for rich and quality tourists to boost the tourism sector. “We don’t want tourists who come to Goa and do drugs or those who cook in public places. We don’t want people to create nuisance here,” he said.
He maintained that the government has already implemented stringent laws to tackle the nuisance created by hawkers on the beaches in the State, as well as against tourists who cook in public places. “We are imposing fine against such tourists. Those failing to pay fine, would be imprisoned,” the Minister warned.
Ajgaonkar also urged police to act against tourists, who fail to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines including wearing of masks and maintaining physical distancing. “There is no vaccine or medicine so far. The only medicine is to wear masks, maintain social distancing, maintain personal safety. All have to follow this,” he said.
Responding to a question on resumption of casino operations, Ajgaonkar said the government will decide as per the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry for Home Affairs (MHA). “If MHA permits, State government will take a call,” he said.
With Goa opening its borders for tourists, the State saw police raiding a couple of rave parties, in which a Bollywood actor Kapil Jhaveri was also arrested.
