State Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar today told the House that any person who disturbs tourists and hampers tourism "will not be allowed to do so" on the state's beaches.
He was responding to a question tabled by Congress legislator Francis Silveira on the floor of the House during the assembly session that began today.
"Yes. Sir, any person who disturbs the tourists and hampers tourism will not be allowed to do so," mentions the written reply tabled by the minister.
This was to a question on whether the Government would restrict the movement of Lamannis on Goan beaches who disturb the tourists and hamper tourism.
Lamannis are a nomadic community which has its origin in neighbouring Karnataka and have settled in Goa running their trade in the coastal belt.
The minister said the department haa deployed India Reserve Batallion (IRB) Police,Tourist Police, ex-servicemen and tourist wardens for ensuring safety and security of the tourists.
"In addition, the government has already constituted an Anti Narcotic Cell under Police Department," he said.
Replying to a question on services provided on the beaches to attract more tourists, the minister said, "The Government of India has approved Rs 99.99 crore under Swadesh Darshan Scheme - I for North Goa coastal areas for implementing various development works."
These works, he said, include infrastructure such as parking spaces, toilets, changing rooms, illumination, drinking water, free wifi among others at locations wherever the government has land in its possession or at the locations wherever the panchayats or private bodies have provided lands by the way of NOC.
The minister informed that the Union government during 2017-18 has approved Rs 99.35 crore under Swadesh Darshan Scheme -II wherein it is proposed to provide such infrastructure at Miramar, Donapaula, Bambolim, Siridao, Utorda, Majorda, Betal-Batim, Cavelossim, Mobar, Palolem, Agonda wherever land is available.
The ongoing State legislative assembly session will culminate on December 18.
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