Goa Tourists, Attention! You May Get Fined ₹1 Lakh For These 10 Off-Limit Things

Goa is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in India. There are beaches, historic sites, adventure activities, and so much more. But did you know that some offbeat activities in Goa can land you in serious trouble and lead to fines of up to ₹1 lakh? Goa has now announced some new rules regarding illegal activities, so that tourists can know what not to do in the state. Here’s what the new rules are!

Goa Announces New Rules For Tourists 

Are you planning a Goa trip this season? If yes, then there are some new rules you should definitely know before you start planning your holiday. Some activities in the state are now illegal and can lead to heavy fines ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹1 lakh.

According to CNBC TV18, the new rules were issued by Tourism Director Kedar Naik, who classified some common tourist activities as punishable “nuisances”. These are some of the things that are now totally off-limits:

1. Unlicensed beach parties with loud music blaring from speakers.
2. Hiring unregistered guides or masseurs. This basically means that the masseur who randomly walks up to you on the beach can get you in trouble.
3. Buying cruise or water sports tickets from unofficial counters.
4. Drinking outside permitted zones.
5. Breaking glass bottles on the sand.
6. Cooking outside designated areas. This means beach bonfires and roadside cook-ups are now illegal. Cooking should only be done within the marked zones.
7. Littering in public areas.
8. Unauthorised river cruises and water sports.
9. Blocking emergency, lifeguard or beach-cleaning vehicles, or driving on the sand. Tourists should keep their vehicles off the beach.
10. Dumping waste, sewage, chemicals or oil near or onto the beach. This new rule applies not just to individuals but also to businesses.

Also Read: There’s A 50-Year-Old Restaurant In Goa Selling 1000 Fish Thalis Daily Since 1976

Make Sure To Avoid Illegal Activities 

On top of the fine, you can also face prosecution under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 for breaking any of these rules. According to CNBC TV18, the reason behind these new guidelines is to protect the state’s beaches and tourist areas. It also gives the police and tourism officials the power to act on the spot, rather than only after a complaint is filed.

So, if you are visiting Goa, make sure you always book registered guides, masseurs, and cruise or water sports tickets from licensed operators. Make sure you do not organise loud beach parties or litter the space around you. Apart from these, keep all the rules listed above in mind.

Also Read: Exclusive: From Ross Omelette To Sonak Fish, Sameera Reddy Reveals Her Favourite Local Goan Dishes

Have you ever visited Goa? How was your experience?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Skynesher (Representative Image)

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