Latest news with #GoaTouristPlaces(ProtectionandMaintenance)Act
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Economic Times
Goa tightens tourism law: More stringent fines introduced for public "nuisance". Check details
AP Beachgoers enjoy a summer day at a Beach (Representational Image) The Government of Goa has taken a significant step towards ensuring a cleaner, safer, and more visitor-friendly tourism environment by passing an essential amendment to the Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) Act, 2001, on Thursday in the state assembly. The House has approved the amendment to the bill. The bill shall be called the Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) (Amendment) Act, 2025. The amendment seeks to expand the definition of "nuisance" at tourist sites and introduces more stringent penalties for violations, thereby reinforcing the state's commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism. Tourism Minister Khaunte has stated in the assembly, while replying to a starred question during question hour, that the government will soon table a bill in the assembly. 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. Minister for Tourism, Rohan A Khaunte, stated 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. 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. Under the revised act, offences will attract a minimum penalty of Rs 5,000, which may extend up to Rs 1,00,000. This is a significant increase from the earlier upper limit of Rs 50,000. In addition, violators may also be prosecuted under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, depending on the severity of the offence. The amendment also introduces a provision for periodic review of penalties. The Department of Tourism will be empowered to re-evaluate and revise the quantum of fines every two years, in consultation with relevant authorities. The revised penalty may be increased by up to 10% of the existing fine amount, ensuring that the framework remains dynamic and effective over legislative update highlights the Government's ongoing efforts to enhance visitor experience, preserve public spaces, and foster a tourism ecosystem that respects both cultural values and environmental sustainability.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Goa tightens tourism law: More stringent fines introduced for public "nuisance". Check details
Goa has amended its Tourist Places Act, increasing penalties for nuisances like touting and public drinking to a maximum of ₹1,00,000. Tourism Minister Khaunte stated the move aims to curb unauthorized activities and maintain Goa's reputation as a world-class destination. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Government of Goa has taken a significant step towards ensuring a cleaner, safer, and more visitor-friendly tourism environment by passing an essential amendment to the Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) Act, 2001, on Thursday in the state House has approved the amendment to the bill. The bill shall be called the Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) (Amendment) Act, amendment seeks to expand the definition of " nuisance " at tourist sites and introduces more stringent penalties for violations, thereby reinforcing the state's commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism Tourism Minister Khaunte has stated in the assembly, while replying to a starred question during question hour, that the government will soon table a bill in 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 for Tourism, Rohan A Khaunte, stated 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 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 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 the revised act, offences will attract a minimum penalty of Rs 5,000, which may extend up to Rs 1,00,000. This is a significant increase from the earlier upper limit of Rs 50,000. In addition, violators may also be prosecuted under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita , depending on the severity of the amendment also introduces a provision for periodic review of penalties. The Department of Tourism will be empowered to re-evaluate and revise the quantum of fines every two years, in consultation with relevant authorities. The revised penalty may be increased by up to 10% of the existing fine amount, ensuring that the framework remains dynamic and effective over legislative update highlights the Government's ongoing efforts to enhance visitor experience, preserve public spaces, and foster a tourism ecosystem that respects both cultural values and environmental sustainability.
Deccan Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Deccan Herald
Goa imposes heavy penalty over careless discarding of alcohol bottles in public spaces, tourist sports
The new rules fall under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 2001, and the Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) Act, 2001.
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Time of India
Goa government set to pass stricter law to curb ‘nuisance' at tourists hotspots
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Mumbai: With an aim to curb 'public nuisance ' at tourists places and provide for more hospitable and sustainable experience to its visitors, the Goa government is set to introduce a key amendment to the Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) Act, 2001, significantly widening the scope of punishable offences at tourist destinations across the amendments expands the legal definition of 'nuisance' and significantly increases penalties for activities deemed disruptive or damaging to public order. The bill is expected to be introduced in the upcoming session of the Goa Legislative Assembly Sources said that the decision comes in response to the rapid growth in tourist numbers, which has been accompanied by a surge in activities that authorities say threaten public order and the overall visitor experience. Goa Tourism Minister Rohan A Khaunte asserted that the growing number of tourists has unfortunately been accompanied by a rise in activities that undermine the quality of the visitor experience and disrupt public order. '...this legislation is a step in the right direction to address these issues and maintain Goa's reputation as a responsible and world-class tourism destination,' Khaute the amended law, a range of actions—such as pestering tourists to purchase goods, drinking alcohol in unauthorized areas, littering, breaking glass bottles, cooking in open spaces, illegal hawking, and ticket touting—will now be clearly defined as nuisances. Unauthorized operation of water sports and boating activities will also fall under the purview of the updated legislationThe amendment also includes a provision for biennial reviews, allowing the Department of Tourism to revise fine amounts every two years by up to 10%.The revised bill imposes much tougher fines against the offenders. While offenders were previously fined up to ₹50,000, under the new law, penalties can now range from a minimum of ₹5,000 to as much as ₹1,00,000. Depending on the severity of the offense, violators may also face prosecution under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, government's initiative aims to create an environment where public spaces are better managed to allow the tourists a holistic experience. '...this major legislative update is part of ongoing efforts by the Goa government to enhance visitor experiences, safeguard public order, and support the state's commitment to sustainable tourism. With better guidelines and stronger penalties now in place, Goa continues its journey towards establishing a tourism ecosystem that is both welcoming and well-regulated,' said an official.
Time of India
26-07-2025
- 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.
