In order to avoid any sort of chaotic situation, Goa Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar on Wednesday, urged tourists visiting Goa should stay away from drugs. Instead, for the kick, they can try the local alcoholic drink, cashew feni, he suggested. ‘Feni’ is a popular local liquor made by processing the cashew fruits.
As the minister worded in a press conference, “Because of EDM (Electronic Dance Music) festivals we do not want to entertain drugs here in Goa. The police force has been instructed for a smooth running these events. Here in the festivals enjoy the music, drink cashew feni, but do not indulge in drugs.”
The state Tourism Department has begun the process of cracking down on littering and drinking of alcohol on beaches, which was recently banned by the state legislative assembly.
In the last budget session, held in the month of January, the state legislative Assembly, lawmakers amended the Goa Tourist Place (Protection and Maintenance) Act, 2001, which prohibits cooking, drinking alcohol and littering public areas, including beaches.
According to Ajgaonkar, to treat tourists with the spirit of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, is the duty of the state Tourism Department. The law is same for all and in case of violation, it will be applicable on both foreign as well as local tourists without any discrimination.
Again he added, ‘The tourists’ safety and security is our duty. We will be strict if hawkers and beggars hassle tourists on beaches. But no one should come here and create chaos.’
The law says any single person or a group of persons found drinking and littering alcohol bottles on the beach, will be imposed with a fine of Rs 2,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.
Hosting millions of tourists for years together, Goa is one of the most reputed beach tourism destinations of the country. But the growing narco-tourism is hampering the state’s image and is now the biggest concern of the state authorities.
