Panaji: Reacting to social media videos highlighting incidents in the coastal belt that tarnish Goa’s image, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said police should put their act together and take necessary action.
He was referring to a recent video in which a foreign national said drugs were being openly sold on Calangute beach. The individual said he was approached by two persons near a police kiosk offering drugs while he was heading to the beach, and pointed out the proximity of cops in the area.
“There should be a cleanup of touts from the beaches. The police inspector has been replaced and the touts have returned. I have taken up the issue with the chief minister and I will take it to a logical conclusion,” Khaunte said.
Referring to such videos, Khaunte said they bring a bad name to Goa and stressed the need for proper police surveillance. “Police need to put their act together. These incidents are serious in nature and we need to act on them. I have briefed the chief minister that such instances have been increasing and if officers are erring, responsibility has to be fixed and action taken,” he said.
Khaunte said that since he took charge as Tourism Minister, a drive had been initiated against touts in the coastal belt and must continue.
“It is the responsibility of the police and they have to do it. Every time we should not be telling them. Being the inspector of Calangute, if he does not know what is happening, then I will inform him so that responsibility is fixed,” he said.
“Tourism is both a department and an industry. As an industry, it is a collective responsibility. Tourists coming to Goa have to come with the right intent and leave with the right message. Tourists cannot come here to run businesses illegally and spoil Goa’s name,” Khaunte said.
