Latest news with #GoaTouristPlaces(ProtectionandMaintenance)Act
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Soon, pay Rs 1 lakh fine for creating nuisance at tourist places in Goa
Porvorim: Goa govt on Friday tabled an amendment to the Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) Act, 2001, seeking to expand the definition of 'nuisance' at tourist spots and to impose steeper penalties of up to Rs 1 lakh on violators. The proposed amendment outlines a broad spectrum of acts that will now fall under the ambit of nuisance, including pestering tourists to purchase goods or services, drinking alcohol in unauthorised areas, littering, open-air cooking, unauthorised hawking, ticket touting and the illegal operation of water sports and boating activities. 'The rapid expansion of tourism activities has also led to an increase in nuisance at tourist places, affecting the experience of visitors and locals in the state,' said tourism minister Rohan Khaunte while introducing the bill in the House 'The increased nuisance is disturbing public order, and is causing environmental degradation. Instances of unauthorised activities, disturbances and violations of public decorum have been on the rise, necessitating a stronger legal framework to address these concerns,' said tourism minister Rohan Khaunte. Under the proposed law, offences will attract a minimum fine of Rs 5,000, which may extend to Rs 1 lakh. Earlier, the maximum fine that could be imposed was Rs 50,000. According to the bill, violators may also be liable for punishment under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Search for cheap cars deals Cheap Cars deals | Search Ads Learn More Undo Govt has also included a provision for periodic review of penalties. Khaunte said that the amendment provides scope for the department to reevaluate the quantum of the penalty every two years in consultation with the authorities. The fines may be increased by up to 10% of the existing fine. Officials said the measure aims to uphold the integrity of Goa's tourist destinations, encourage responsible tourism, and safeguard the interests of both tourists and local communities.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Time of India
Tourism wardens to rein in touts
Panaji: The tourism department has started the process to recruit tourist wardens and taluka supervisors who will be deployed along the state's beaches and at main tourism centres. The department wants the wardens to crack down on touts and curb the violations of the Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) Act. The department is recruiting 11 tourist wardens and four taluka supervisors to fill the current vacancies in the 45-member team that has been deployed all along Goa's coastline. 'The wardens and the supervisors monitor beach cleaning agencies and submit a daily report,' said tourism director Kedar Naik. 'The wardens will also keep a check on shacks to ensure that they do not exceed the demarcation and space for beach beds and tables.' According to the department, 181 candidates have been shortlisted to answer the written exam for the 11 posts of tourist wardens while 91 candidates have been shortlisted for the four posts of taluka-level supervisors. Naik said that the responsibility of wardens and supervisors includes cracking down on touts, beach hawkers, unauthorised vendors and other beach violations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gentle Japanese hair growth method for men and women's scalp Hair's Rich Learn More Undo The supervisors help coordinate efforts between the tourism department and the tourist police. The Shack Owners Welfare Society has said that touts and hawkers harass tourists relentlessly, obstruct pathways, engage in aggressive selling tactics, and disrupt the peaceful beach experience that tourists are looking for. Touting has become rampant with tourism stakeholders saying that the practice has contributed to an estimated 70% decline in tourism for legitimate businesses.
