Panaji: State Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte told the House that there is lack of power with his department due to which the enforcement on the Beaches is becoming an issue.
Speaking on the floor of the House on Wednesday night, Khaunte said that Tourism department is currently dependent on Police deparment for enforcement of laws in the beach stretches.
“Today, we need to legislate and come with new Act (Tourism and Trade Act). Today, we don’t have powers. We are dependent on the police,” the minister said.
Khaunte said that so many illegalities are happening in Calangute belt up to Anjuna-Vagator
“As a minister, I am supposed to give directions to act on the illegalities but there should be enforcement. That is why we are thinking to put in place our own security force,” he said.
Khaunte admitted that there are broken glasses on the beaches posing danger to the tourists. “My own department staff does not dare to walk barefoot on the beach. How does glass bottles go to the shoreline. There is no enforcement,” he said.
Khaunte said that the state government is proposing Integrated Beach management policy which will include lifeguard, cleaning, safety, surveillance and illumination. Everything will be a part of one policy, he added.
The minister said that his department will be revisiting the Shack Policy and Water Sports Policy which will address all the issues faced on the Beaches.
