<p>Mumbai: In a step with the twin agenda of responsible tourism and environment protection, the Goa government has decided to impose strict penalties for public drinking and littering at public places and tourist spots. </p><p>Fines will now range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000, as part of the government’s effort to tackle the growing problem of broken glass and plastic waste, especially on the beaches.</p><p>Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, however, said that alcohol is not being banned.</p><p>“The maximum business in Goa is from wine and bar outlets, but I will examine the possibility of banning the sale of liquor in glass bottles within 50 meters along the coastal belt…After examining, we will issue directives to wine stores in those areas,” the Chief Minister said.</p><p>“We have seen tourists getting injured because of broken bottles and plastic wasteThere has to be discipline. Drinking in public and breaking bottles cannot be tolerated,” Khaunte said. </p><p>The new rules fall under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 2001, and the Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) Act, 2001. These laws now ban drinking and the careless discarding of bottles in public spaces and designated tourist areas.</p><p>To curb the issue of glass waste, the government is also planning to launch a glass bottle deposit scheme. Under this system, a refundable deposit will be charged when drinks are sold in glass bottles. </p>.Mhadei river row: Goa CM Pramod Sawant asks Karnataka govt to follow cooperative federalism.<p>He, however, said that the government was not banning alcohol, but there must be accountability in how it’s consumed, especially in public spaces.</p><p>The scheme has already been notified.</p><p>In addition to regulatory measures, the government has also launched a new beach cleaning contract aimed at improving cleanliness along the state’s 82.2 km coastline. </p><p>Since March 1, a team of 525 workers has been cleaning 50 beaches and 102 dead ends in rotating shifts.</p><p>Khaunte added that the government is also encouraging Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to participate in the beach maintenance initiative.</p><p>“We want to ensure our beaches are clean and safe for everyone,” he said. “We are also open to involving SHGs in this contract. Any SHG that’s interested will be given a section of the beach to manage under the tender process.”</p><p>To improve tourist awareness, the Tourism Department plans to install bilingual signage – in English and Hindi – outlining the do’s and don’ts for visitors, before the start of the upcoming tourism season.</p><p>“This is about protecting our environment and our visitors. If tourists feel safe, they’ll come back. That’s the goal,” Khaunte added.</p><p>“The rapid growth of tourism has also led to a rise in unauthorised activities and public misconduct at popular destinations. This amendment gives us the legal tools we need to control these issues and protect the image of Goa,” he added.</p>
<p>Mumbai: In a step with the twin agenda of responsible tourism and environment protection, the Goa government has decided to impose strict penalties for public drinking and littering at public places and tourist spots. </p><p>Fines will now range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000, as part of the government’s effort to tackle the growing problem of broken glass and plastic waste, especially on the beaches.</p><p>Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, however, said that alcohol is not being banned.</p><p>“The maximum business in Goa is from wine and bar outlets, but I will examine the possibility of banning the sale of liquor in glass bottles within 50 meters along the coastal belt…After examining, we will issue directives to wine stores in those areas,” the Chief Minister said.</p><p>“We have seen tourists getting injured because of broken bottles and plastic wasteThere has to be discipline. Drinking in public and breaking bottles cannot be tolerated,” Khaunte said. </p><p>The new rules fall under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 2001, and the Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) Act, 2001. These laws now ban drinking and the careless discarding of bottles in public spaces and designated tourist areas.</p><p>To curb the issue of glass waste, the government is also planning to launch a glass bottle deposit scheme. Under this system, a refundable deposit will be charged when drinks are sold in glass bottles. </p>.Mhadei river row: Goa CM Pramod Sawant asks Karnataka govt to follow cooperative federalism.<p>He, however, said that the government was not banning alcohol, but there must be accountability in how it’s consumed, especially in public spaces.</p><p>The scheme has already been notified.</p><p>In addition to regulatory measures, the government has also launched a new beach cleaning contract aimed at improving cleanliness along the state’s 82.2 km coastline. </p><p>Since March 1, a team of 525 workers has been cleaning 50 beaches and 102 dead ends in rotating shifts.</p><p>Khaunte added that the government is also encouraging Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to participate in the beach maintenance initiative.</p><p>“We want to ensure our beaches are clean and safe for everyone,” he said. “We are also open to involving SHGs in this contract. Any SHG that’s interested will be given a section of the beach to manage under the tender process.”</p><p>To improve tourist awareness, the Tourism Department plans to install bilingual signage – in English and Hindi – outlining the do’s and don’ts for visitors, before the start of the upcoming tourism season.</p><p>“This is about protecting our environment and our visitors. If tourists feel safe, they’ll come back. That’s the goal,” Khaunte added.</p><p>“The rapid growth of tourism has also led to a rise in unauthorised activities and public misconduct at popular destinations. This amendment gives us the legal tools we need to control these issues and protect the image of Goa,” he added.</p>