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Key Points

Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has endorsed the Goa Tourist Places Bill to tackle rising nuisance activities. The bill increases fines up to ₹1 lakh for violations like littering and unauthorised hawking. Tourism Director Kedar Naik emphasised the need for better tourist behaviour to maintain public decorum. The amendment aims to protect Goa’s reputation and ensure a positive experience for visitors and locals.

Key Points: Goa Minister Rohan Khaunte Backs Tourist Places Bill Amid Rising Nuisance

  • Goa introduces stricter fines up to ₹1 lakh for tourist nuisance
  • Bill targets littering, unauthorised hawking, and alcohol consumption
  • Tourism Director Kedar Naik stresses proper tourist behaviour
  • Amendment aims to preserve Goa’s reputation and local interests
2 min read

Legislation step in right direct, Goa Tourism Minister, on Goa Tourist Places Bill

Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte supports new bill to curb nuisance activities, with fines up to ₹1 lakh for violations like littering and unauthorised hawking.

"This legislation is a step in the right direction to maintain Goa’s reputation as a responsible tourism destination – Rohan Khaunte"

Goa, August 7

The Goa Minister for Tourism, Rohan A Khaunte has endorese the Goa Tourist Places bil, stating that the rapid expansion of tourism has resulted in the rise of unauthorised practices and violations of public decorum at many destinations. He emphasised that the amendment provides a much-needed legal mechanism to curb these issues and uphold the sanctity of Goa's tourist places.

"This legislation is a step in the right direction to address growing concerns and to maintain Goa's reputation as a responsible and world-class tourism destination," the Minister said.

However, 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, disturbing public order, and 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.

Tourism Director, Kedar Naik, mentioned that the only intent of this amendment is "to request tourists to behave properly".

"In this amendment, we have specifically extended the definition of nuisance. The only intent of this amendment is to request that tourists behave properly. A lot of things have been brought in under the definition of nuisance - littering on the beach and other things," said the Goa Tourism Director, Kedar Naik.

"The fine for doing this nuisance has been increased. If anyone were caught doing something, we could have fined them up to Rs 5000. Now it has been increased from Rs 5000 to Rs 1 lakh, depending upon the severity of the nuisance," the Goa Tourism Director added further.

The new provisions outline a wider ambit of activities that now qualify as public nuisance at tourist locations. These include pestering tourists to purchase goods or services, consumption of alcohol in unauthorised areas, littering, open-air cooking, unauthorised hawking, ticket touting, and the illegal operation of water sports and boating activities. Such activities have not only disrupted public order but have also led to a decline in the overall experience for both tourists and local communities.

The amendment is aimed at preserving the integrity of Goa's tourist places, promoting responsible and regenerative tourism, and creating a hospitable environment while protecting the interests of local communities and stakeholders.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As a frequent visitor to Goa, I welcome this move. The harassment by hawkers and touts near beaches had become unbearable. But I hope enforcement will be consistent - not just targeting small vendors while ignoring big resorts violating coastal zone norms.
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Rohit P
Good initiative but implementation is key! Our babus must ensure these rules apply equally to all - whether domestic tourists, foreigners or VIPs. Also need proper waste management infrastructure, not just fines. Goa's beauty is our national treasure 🇮🇳
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Priya S
While I appreciate the intent, ₹1 lakh fine seems excessive for first-time offenders. Many middle-class families visit Goa - a small mistake shouldn't ruin their vacation. Start with warnings and community service for minor violations. Education before punishment!
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Karthik V
About time! Last month I saw Russian tourists cooking on Baga beach and leaving trash everywhere. Locals suffer while tourism companies make money. Govt should also regulate Airbnb and illegal homestays destroying residential areas. #SaveGoaCulture
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Michael C
As an expat living in Goa for 5 years, I've seen the degradation firsthand. This law is necessary but must be enforced sensitively. Many poor vendors depend on tourism - provide them licensed zones instead of just punishing. Sustainable solutions needed.

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