Tourists who don't respect Goan culture not welcome: Minister
What's the story
Tourists who do not respect the culture of Goa and create nuisance by littering on the beaches or taking drugs are not welcome in the state, Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said in the Legislative Assembly today.
He said that existing laws weren't strong enough to tackle the nuisance created by hawkers on the beaches.
"Hence, existing Tourism Act needs to be strengthened."
Bad habits
Tourists often create nuisance after getting drunk: Minister
Ajgaonkar said tourists often create nuisance on the streets after getting drunk.
"There is a difference between a drunk Goan and a tourist who is drunk. Goans will walk straight on the road while tourists walk shaking their body," he added.
Speaking on issues of stray-animals, garbage and illegal hawkers, he said although the tourism department was working to tackle those, the issues persisted.
Not enough powers
'IRB personnel don't have enough powers,have to depend on police'
Ajgaonkar said the India Reserve Batallion (IRB) personnel posted on the beaches don't have enough powers and have to depend on the local police to take action.
"Whenever we confiscate things from hawkers present on the beaches illegally, they just run away. They never come to pay fine or take back their belongings," he said.
He said government had banned some activities on beaches.
WhatsApp helpline
Government had launched WhatsApp helpline to tackle garbage menace
Ajgoankar said the government had launched a WhatsApp helpline to tackle garbage menace.
"If anyone sends a picture of garbage on a beach, it will be cleared within 12 hours," the minister said.
In February this year, Ajgaonkar had said, "Tourists who come here should take care of Goa's culture and Goanness, otherwise I will chase them away."